Know Your Place events

The Folklore of the Great River Thames

A deep dive with Lecturer Mark Lewis.

Myth, magic, and mystery await in the murky waters of the tidal Thames. Explore the rich folklore surrounding London’s iconic river, from pagan gods and haunted taverns to hidden tunnels and restless ghosts. This Reminiscence Café talk will explore forgotten ceremonies, frozen frost fairs, and thrilling tales of smuggling and piracy - legends that have shaped the soul of the Thames for centuries.

• Date: Friday 16 May 2025
• Time: 11am to 12.15pm
• Location: Library Annexe, Quadrant Road, Richmond, TW9 1DH
• Price: Free event, booking required

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A Tale of Two Parishes

Join us for an engaging talk that delves into the rich history of Mortlake and Barnes. When the system of tithes was reformed, these two parishes were surveyed in great detail, resulting in invaluable historical resources. This talk will explore the fascinating stories told by the restored tithe maps of Barnes and Mortlake.

Event details:

• Date: Thursday 22 May 2025
• Time: 7.15 to 8.15pm
• Location: East Sheen Library, 74 Sheen Lane, SW14 8LP
• Price: £5 - booking required

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Researching the history of your home

A beginner's workshop.

Have you ever wondered about the people who lived in your house before you, or what your house looked like originally? Join our Local Studies team to find out in a workshop that guides you through the resources available in the Richmond upon Thames Local Studies Library and Archive.

Event details:

• Date: Friday 30 May 2025
• Time: 10 to 11am
• Location: Local Studies Library and Archive, Old Town Hall, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond TW9 1TP
• Price: £5 - booking required

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Thames Wherries Richmond

Discover the history of Richmond Riverside.

Thames watermen in their wherries acted as ferrymen where Richmond Bridge now stands, linking communities along the River Thames from the Middle Ages to the early Nineteenth Century. This illustrated talk will outline the role of wherries in both transport and racing at Richmond’s regattas throughout history. It will also offer an insight into the construction of a new wherry, 'Rose, in 2024.

Event details:

• Date: Friday 13 June 2025
• Time: 3 to 4pm
• Location: Old Town Hall, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond TW9 1TP
• Price: £5 - booking required

Our lift is currently undergoing repairs - please contact Local Studies for accessibility details.

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Richmond and the Thames

A free exhibition on Richmond Riverside.

Explore the history of Richmond's waterside right where it happened. At this exhibition, hosted by Richmond's boatbuilding craftsmen, you'll uncover the rich, centuries-old connection between Richmond and the Thames. Delve into the diverse history and numerous uses of boats and wherries that have defined life along the riverside through the ages. This exhibition will be accompanied by a talk on wherries and a family workshop at the Old Town Hall, promising a weekend filled with riverside celebrations.

Event details:

• Date: Friday 13, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June 2025
• Time: 10am to 5pm
• Location: Richmond Riverside, The Arches, TW9 1EH
• Price: Free event - no booking required

Travelling down the Thames

River themed crafts and learning for families!

Delve into the history of the River Thames at this arts and crafts family workshop. This drop-in event is suitable for children aged 5 to 10 years old. Glimpse into the history of our local area while taking part in a colourful, creative session of bridge building and origami boats making next to the riverside!

Event details:

• Date: Saturday 14 June 2025
• Time: 10.30am to 3pm
• Location: Whittaker Ellis Suite, Old Town Hall, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond TW9 1TP
• Price: Free event - no booking required

Children should be accompanied by an adult.