One reason that Richmond grew and developed is due to the Tudor Palace, built as an escape from London, just along the river.

Today Richmond remains a town for leisure, as well as business. Whether shopping, eating and drinking, taking in a play at the Theatre or visiting the park, visitors to Richmond continue this long tradition of escaping the City.

Since its beginnings, Richmond has been proud to be the home of famous places, which frequently draw large crowds. The successive famous theatres, the plethora of cinemas that have existed over the years, the much missed Ice Rink, Richmond Green with its famous residents, the banks of the River Thames and the historic Richmond Park. These places all have a fascinating history which many objects displayed in the Museum illustrate.