Richmond Park
Recommendation added: 16/03/2006 21:44
By: jsimons128 (YSUK rating +136)jsimons128 has been thanked 2 times for this contribution
"This vast tract of virtually wild countryside on the doorstep of Londons urban sprawl reamains from an ancient forest that once covered much of southern England. Charles the first enclosed the park area as prt of a royal estate, and successive monarchs have shaped the land to suit their hunting needs. The deer that they so avidly sourght no longer display the furtive timidness of the hunted. Instead they wander unharmed among corpses and spinneys high above the Thames Valley, and are not averse to bullying the picnicking tourist into parting with a sandwich or two. The ultimate irony must be ther deers' freedom of the slopes of King Henry the eighths Mound, which the monarch had built so that he could watch their slaughter.
In the 18th century severe restrictions on public access to Richmond Park were imposed by the Crown, but thanks to a brewer called John Lewis-todays public can wander there at will. Lewis fought to preserve a public right of way throught the park, and won.
A formal garden can be seen at Pembroke Lodge, and the various plantations show a wealth of exotic shrubs and wild flowers. Model sail boats are allowed on Adams Pond, where the deer drink, and 18 acre Pen Ponds have been specially made for angling. A great place for all then, i know for sure i had a great time here, and im sure you will too. Written by Jonathan Simons"
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