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Kew Palace, Surrey

Kew Palace at Kew Gardens west of London, became a royal residence in the early eighteenth century. It was then known as the Dutch House and stood opposite a grand building called the White House. The Dutch House was used as additional accommodation for courtiers and princesses, and from the 1750s as a school house for young princes. Then after 1801 the Dutch House became home to George III and his wife, Queen Charlotte.

Kew Palace was the setting for the crisis caused by George III's apparent insanity, now understood to be caused by a metabolic disorder called porphyria. In the 1790s, with the king's behaviour becoming ever more bizarre, it was convenient to keep him hidden at Kew Palace. Some of the rooms have been returned to how they would have looked at that time. On the second floor in areas which have only recently been open to public view, rooms have sat largely unchanged since the 1800s. The house reveals a man who, when he was well, showed intelligence and energy. The King's Library reflects George's interest in science, exploration and drawing. He also loved his family. The death of his daughter Princess Amelia sent George into his final decline after 1810. Princess Amelia's bedroom tells this story.

 

 

 

Queen Charlotte's Cottage

In the grounds of Kew Gardens you will find Queen Charlotte's Cottage which was used for tea parties and picnics.

Opening Times: 2nd April to 25th September Monday 11am - 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm. Last admission is 4.15pm.

Please note that on 7th September the Welcome Centre and toilets will be out of service.

The Royal Botanic Gardens are open from 9.30am every day except 24th and 25th December.

Queen Charlotte's Cottage is open weekends only from June to September 11am - 4pm.

Address: Kew Palace, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB

Directions: Kew Palace is in Richmond, south west of London. The gardens are served by their own Underground station on the District Line. From north London Silverlink trains run direct to the station at Kew. River boat services are also available from Westminster, with a journey time of between fifty five and ninety minutes depending on the tide. See www.wpsa.co.uk for details of sailings. Car parking at Kew is limited so it is advisable to use public transport if possible.

 

 

Access: Wheelchair access is good, via an external lift shaft. There are adapted toilet facilities in Kew Gardens

Contact:

telephone: 0844 482 7777

or 020 8332 5655 (infoline)

for group visits telephone: 020 3166 6311

or fax: 020 3166 6310

for school visits telephone: 020 3166 6646

e-mail: kewpalace@hrp.org.uk

web site: http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/events/kewpalace.html

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