Description
St Albans Riverside is one of a number of riverside gardens between Hampton Court Road and the Thames, here named after the 5th Duke of St Albans who moved to Hampton in 1796 to a riverside house first called St Albans Bank, now St Alban's Lodge. In the C19th the riverside near Hampton Court became a popular tourist attraction in its own right and was important for its boat-building works. Among these was boat-builder Tom Tagg, who leased the ait now known as Taggs Island where he built the Island Hotel in 1870. The riverside gardens remain popular, and have lawns, trees, shrubberies and an area of ornamental planting around a sundial.
Practical Information
| Previously known as | River Thames Gardens; St Alban's Terrace Gardens |
|---|---|
| Site location | Hampton Court Road |
| Postcode | TW12 2EN |
| What3Words | ///pasta.copies.envy |
| Type of Site | Public Gardens |
| Borough | Richmond |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | unrestricted |
| Facilities | Fishing is permitted between boathouse and the Swiss Chalet |
| Public Transport | Bus R68, 111, 216, 416, 726, R68 |
| Research Updated | 1 November 2010 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Full description
St Albans Riverside is a strip of gardens along the river near Taggs Island, between Hampton Court Road and the Thames, named after the great grandson of Charles II and Nell Gwynne, the 5th Duke of St Albans. He moved to Hampton in 1796 to a riverside house first called St Albans Bank then shortened to St Albans, now St Alban's Lodge. In the C19th the riverside near Hampton Court became a popular tourist attraction in its own right and the river was much-used, with summer regattas and other activities drawing day trippers and weekend visitors. By the 1870s, Hampton had developed an important boat-building industry along the river, one of which was the works of Messrs. Tagg who supplied high quality boats used all over the world. Tom Tagg leased the largest of the islands or aits here, now known as Taggs Island and linked by a bridge to the road, where he built the Island Hotel in 1870, one of a number of facilities catering for the growing number of visitors.
The riverside gardens remain popular, and have lawns, trees, shrubberies and an area of ornamental planting around a sundial in the form of a globe, a semi-circular flowerbed on a circular platform set into the slope leading down to the river, with steps up to it. Between Taggs Island and St Alban's Lodge a flight of steps is set into the lawns. Nearby is a boathouse from which a private boat repair and sales business operates, and a modern gazebo.
The riverside gardens remain popular, and have lawns, trees, shrubberies and an area of ornamental planting around a sundial in the form of a globe, a semi-circular flowerbed on a circular platform set into the slope leading down to the river, with steps up to it. Between Taggs Island and St Alban's Lodge a flight of steps is set into the lawns. Nearby is a boathouse from which a private boat repair and sales business operates, and a modern gazebo.
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ147691 |
|---|---|
| Size in hectares | 1.21 |
| Site Ownership | LB Richmond |
| Site Management | Environment Planning & Review, Parks and Open Spaces |
| On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens | No |
| Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965 | No |
| Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931 | No |
| Local Authority | Richmond |
| In Conservation Area | Yes |
| Conservation Area Name | CA |
| Tree Preservation Order | Not known |
| Nature Conservation Area | Yes |
| Green Belt | No |
| Metropolitan Open Land | Yes |
| Special Policy Area | Yes - Thames Policy Area |
Please note the Inventory and its content are provided for your general information only and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to check the accuracy.
Nearby parks and gardens
* on The National Heritage List for England, Parks & Gardens
Garrick's Lawn is one of a number of riverside gardens between Hampton Court Road and the Thames. Actor/manager David Garrick purchased Hampton House in 1754, later called Garrick's Villa. 'Capability' Brown advised him on the layout of the grounds including the narrow river frontage, recommending the linking grotto-like tunnel under the road. Garrick built the octagonal Shakespeare Temple on the riverside lawn, where he entertained friends. During the C19th later owners permitted the grounds to be used for recreational activities, and it survived threat of demolition in 1899. In the C20th the riverside garden became rundown until the local council purchased the land for a public recreation ground. In 1996 The Temple Trust began a scheme to restore the garden and Temple to their C18th appearance, the scheme completed by 1999. The tunnel under the road has been restored and is privately owned and the house is now private flats.
Garrick's Lawn is one of a number of riverside gardens between Hampton Court Road and the Thames. Actor/manager David Garrick purchased Hampton House in 1754, later called Garrick's Villa. 'Capability' Brown advised him on the layout of the grounds including the narrow river frontage, recommending the linking grotto-like tunnel under the road. Garrick built the octagonal Shakespeare Temple on the riverside lawn, where he entertained friends. During the C19th later owners permitted the grounds to be used for recreational activities, and it survived threat of demolition in 1899. In the C20th the riverside garden became rundown until the local council purchased the land for a public recreation ground. In 1996 The Temple Trust began a scheme to restore the garden and Temple to their C18th appearance, the scheme completed by 1999. The tunnel under the road has been restored and is privately owned and the house is now private flats.
* on The National Heritage List for England, Parks & Gardens
Hampton Court House was built in 1757, designed for Mrs Anne Maria Donaldson, mistress of George Montagu Dunk, the 2nd Earl of Halifax, Ranger of Bushy Park and Chief Steward of Hampton Court Palace. Fine gardens were designed with the house by Thomas Wright, which included an ornamental lake and shell grotto. Later occupants in the C19th and early C20th made changes to the gardens. It remained in private occupation until it was sold to MCC in 1948, when part of the garden reverted to Bushy Park. It was used as a home for the elderly, a theatre and since 1998 has been a private independent school.
Hampton Court House was built in 1757, designed for Mrs Anne Maria Donaldson, mistress of George Montagu Dunk, the 2nd Earl of Halifax, Ranger of Bushy Park and Chief Steward of Hampton Court Palace. Fine gardens were designed with the house by Thomas Wright, which included an ornamental lake and shell grotto. Later occupants in the C19th and early C20th made changes to the gardens. It remained in private occupation until it was sold to MCC in 1948, when part of the garden reverted to Bushy Park. It was used as a home for the elderly, a theatre and since 1998 has been a private independent school.
There has been a church at Hampton since 1342, and St Mary the Virgin has strong associations with the monarchy due to the proximity of Hampton Court Palace. By 1821 the growing parish population necessitated a larger building, and eventually it was agreed to rebuild rather than enlarge the existing building, which was demolished in 1830. The new church was consecrated on 1 September 1831, attended by Queen Adelaide and other members of the royal family. The churchyard was partially closed in 1883. It was renovated in 1972 when most of the headstones were taken away retaining some of the more interesting ones..
Within the churchyard is the Garden of Remembrance which is still in use.