Richmond, London

Richmond is an affluent town in south west London, England, and is part of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.Historically part of Surrey, it is located 8.2 miles (13.2 km) west-southwest of Charing Cross.

The founding and naming of Richmond followed the Tudor building of Richmond Palace early in the 16th century. During this era the town and palace were particularly associated with Elizabeth I. During the 18th century Richmond Bridge was completed and many Georgian terraces were built, particularly around Richmond Green and on Richmond Hill. These remain well preserved and many now have listed building status. The opening of the railway station in 1846 was a significant event in the absorption of the town into a rapidly expanding London. Richmond was formerly part of the ancient parish of Kingston upon Thames in the county of Surrey and itbecame a municipal borough in 1890 that was enlarged in 1892 and 1933. It has formed part of Greater London since 1965.^[3]

Richmond is a much sought after residential location, and among the most wealthy areas in the United Kingdom. It is also a significant commercial and upmarket retail centre, and has a developed day and evening economy. The town is located on ameander of the River Thames, with a large number of parks and open spaces, including Richmond Park, and many protected conservation areas. Richmond is noted for its high quality of life, as well as its affluence, and has been assessed as one of the happiest places in which to live in the UK.

St. James's Park

Looking east from the Blue Bridge on St. James's Park Lake.

St. James's Park is a 23 hectares (57 acres) park in the City of Westminster, central London - the oldest of the Royal Parks of London. The park lies at the southernmost tip of the St James's area, which was named after a leper hospital dedicated to St. James the Less.