Strawberry Hill

Health, Local, Site, Trips / By

Strawberry Hill

 

 

   

Monday, 5 October 2020.

 

The civic centre at Twickenham

Today, 5th October 2020,I went for my interview for a blue badge for free parking and I had to go to Richmond town Hall, which is at Twickenham at the newly built Civic Centre. I was called at very short notice —the email came only came through on Friday. Unfortunately when I made my application, I was inveigled into a false website which charged me £60 instead of £10, but they did at least pass on the message even if rather late. I thought I would see a Doctor or at least a nurse, but in fact I saw a rather plump black lady who asked me a lot of questions in a difficult accident and wrote down the numerous answers over four pages. After about half an hour she accompanied me to the entrance and I suddenly realised it was all over. I hope she gives a good report.

But the sun was shining – if only for a few minutes,  so I thought I would do a little exploring and decided to give to Strawberry Hill which was on the other side of the town. I saw it from the road, and it was amazing. I was lured in by the very nice car park, and decided I would go round.

The library at Strawberry Hill with the books framed by a mediaeval archway which swung out if you needed books at the top

It was the extravaganza of Sir Robert Walpole, but its recent history has been unfortunate. The furniture was all sold off and in the 20th century, the whole estate was bought by St Mary’s Catholic University who built a university on the rest of the estate, but  didn’t know what to do with this crumbling ruin in a corner of their estate. Eventually it was taken over by a Trust, which raised £10 million and has done a splendid restoration.

 

 

 

 

 

The Raphael room which originally had sketches by Raphael on the wall. But the end wall consisted of magnificent mediaeval archways.

They charge £12.50 with 10% discount from English Heritage and normally they only take parties, but I was given a private tour, and in each room, a lady took me over and gave me the tour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The gallery, which formed the highlight of the visit to Strawberry Hill

We went round the tour devised by Walpole, keeping the best bits to the end, so we saw various parlours and I enjoyed seeing the library,. But then at the end, I came out to the splendid Gallery, a Long Room all red and gold which is a magnificent showpiece.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The fine fireplace in the special Tribune at Strawberry Hill

And then at the end was his Round Drawing Room which was his special Treasury, and the Tribune leading off with a marvellous fireplace.

Wendy was very jealous that I had been without her, but I promised to take her as soon as possible.

 

 

I realised afterwards that there are three great houses to be seen at Twickenham. There is York House, which is where I was at the civic centre, which is an annexe to York House, which is now the actual Town Hall.  I must do it properly next time. Then there is Marble Hill house, which is the most classical, but is currently closed for restoration, though the park is still open. But I have now seen Strawberry Hill house, which is the finest of all!