However, if you travel to Richmond, you will be able to observe remnants of the previous royal residence, such as an ancient entrance. There is a map at the bottom of the page that will show you the precise location of the neighbourhood. It is situated between the Thames and Richmond Green, and the streets in the neighbourhood include names like Old Palace Lane and Old Palace Yard. It is not an accident that the Old Deer Park may be found so close to the city walls; the Tudor rulers were avid hunters.
The queen of England’s godson was responsible for the construction of the palace, which is notable for being one of the first structures in the world to use flush toilets.
The past of Richmond Palace and its grounds
Henry VII, the father of Henry VIII, commissioned the construction of the palace in 1501 after the palace of Sheen, which had been situated in the same location and suffered a fire (with the ambassador of Milan, Raimondo Soncino as witness). In recognition of the earl of the same name who resided in Yorkshire and had no connection to this part of London, the building was given the name Richmond. The earl had nothing to do with this neighbourhood in London. It appears that the structure gave its name to the surrounding neighbourhood rather than the other way around.
Bricks of red and white were used in the construction of Richmond Palace, and the chimneys were embellished in the style of the time. It did not have any fortifications, but it did have the characteristic long galleries from the Renaissance period where art could be shown. In addition to that, it had rather spacious and light windows that were panelled.
The first Christmas that Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon spent together was spent at the palace, and the park in front of the house was frequently used by the king for hosting tournaments. He was especially much liked by Elizabeth I, who passed away at this palace in 1603, the same year that her grandfather Henry VII had passed away here.
The Tudor dynasty came to an end with the death of Queen Elizabeth, but the Stuarts continued to use Richmond Palace despite the fact that James I preferred the Palace of Westminster and was unsuccessful in this regard.
After Charles I died, the palace was given to the queen, and she and her children made it their official residence. However, King Charles I was executed by beheading, and the monarchy was abolished. At that time, Parliament decided to sell the building for the sum of £13,000, and shortly afterward, it was practically destroyed for its raw materials. It was never reconstructed at any point in time.
