Space to Visit

York House, dating back to the 17th Century, forms part of the present day civic offices of the London Borough of Richmond. Many features of the grounds remain from Indian industrialist Sir Ratan Tata’s previous ownership, including the sunken lawn to the rear of the house, the sea nymph statuary near the riverside and the restored Japanese garden. As well as providing a tranquil series of gardens, the grounds also contain well-used tennis courts, very popular for the coaching of beginners of all ages. Of note is the Victorian wrought iron pissoir/urinal – a very rare and decorative example of functional ironwork still in use today! During the summer, the Twickenham Shakespearean Society gives performances of the Bard’s more popular plays, and the grounds are also an attractive venue for photographs after civil marriages which take place in York House.