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Kew Palace

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

Kew Palace was then the setting for the crisis caused by the King's apparent insanity, now understood to be the metabolic disorder porphyria. Perhaps it was more convenient to keep the poor man out of the way here at Kew. 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, two qualities that were rather inconvenient in the new figure head monarchy. The King's Library reflects George's interest 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: Kew Palace is open from 21st March to 28th September Monday 11am - 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm. Last admission is 4.15pm. 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 10am - 4pm.

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: 0870 751 5179

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