Know Your Place events

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

This event is sold out.

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 June', 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.

Book tickets for Thames Wherries Richmond

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.

Indian encampments at Hampton Court

A forgotten story of sacrifice and contribution.

Throughout the early 20th century, up to 1800 colonial troops from India camped at Hampton Court for British coronations and World Peace Day. This Reminiscence Café talk explores their daily lives and impact on British society. Through rare and striking images, experience a unique chapter of history when Hampton Court Palace was central to grand Coronation celebrations.

Event details:

• Date: Friday 20 June 2025
• Time: 11am to 12.15pm
• Location: Library Annexe, Quadrant Road, Richmond TW9 1DH
• Price: Free event - booking required

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Summer garden party

Everyone is welcome at the launch of the Voices of Richmond upon Thames archive project.

A fun afternoon, in the beautiful library garden, celebrating the people who moved to the UK to make up the diverse cultures we find in Richmond upon Thames. Enjoy dancing from Ukrainian ensemble Stefania, children’s activities, food, and drinks.

This project asks people who have moved to the UK to create photos of their daily lives and give them to the Local Studies Library and Archive. These photos will be saved for future generations so they can look back and learn about the people of Richmond upon Thames in 2025. Everyone is welcome to come along and find out more about the project.

Event details:

• Date: Saturday 21 June 2025
• Time: 1.30 to 3.30pm
• Location: Teddington Library, Waldegrave Road, Teddington TW11 8NY
• Price: Free event - no booking required

Miles Better walks

Step back in time with our free downloadable walks around Whitton and Teddington. Learn about the history of Richmond upon Thames and enjoy the outdoors.

Find out more about our Miles Better walks.