Overview

Richmond grew up as a bolt-hole for Londoners who could reach it with ease along the river and be close to Richmond Palace - the first building in history to be equipped with a flush toilet! The green was created in the early 17th century and remains largely unchanged, with the cricket pitch in the middle. There are records of games as early as 1666 and the first major match was there in 1730 when Surrey played Middlesex. Most major games took place at Old Deer Park, which was connected to the green until the expansion of the railway in the late 19th century, and the building of the major road - the A316 - completely divided the two areas. Cricket is till played on the green.
Martin Williamson