Description:

Twickenham, one of the country’s largest sporting venues, was built on land previously used to grow vegetables, giving rise to

the stadium’s nickname of  the 'cabbage patch'.

Richmond is the eighth largest London borough by area at 5,741 hectares.

The borough is home to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, which is one of London’s four World Heritage sites.

Richmond is the least deprived London borough and has the lowest rate of child poverty.

Alexander Pope planted the first Willow Tree in England in his garden at Twickenham. All the willows in Britain are related to this tree.

Prior to Richmond Bridge being built, a ferry operated at the site, from Ferry Hill (now Bridge Street) across to Twickenham Meadows. There were two boats, one for passengers and a much larger vessel, the "horse-boat" for the carrying horses, small carts and bulky goods.

The River Crane used to be called 'The Fishbourne', 'The Old River' and  'The Powder Mill River' at various times in the past.

The powder mill in Crane Park, was established between 1766 and 1768, itl started life as a corn mill and was converted to the manufacture of gunpowder.

When Charles Dickens was working on Oliver Twist, he found time to entertain many visitors at Twickenham and also to form a balloon club for the amusement of his children. The club was called "The Gammon Aeronautical Balloon Association for the encouragement of Science and the Consumption of Spirits of Wine".