17th & 18th Century Mansions

The main street in Petersham village is lined with an exceptional group of 17th and 18th century mansions, such as the listed Rutland Lodge, Montrose House and Petersham House. These houses are of two or three storeys, predominately of brick or some rendered and with elegant classical proportions and detailing. 

They are set in generous grounds with mature trees, behind high brick walls' and fine ironwork railings and gates which enclose the street. Landmark buildings include the listed Petersham Lodge, St Peter's Church and Douglas House. 

After the sharp Southward bend in the road and at the centre of the village is a pair of distinctive 17th century brick lodges and an early 20th century gatehouse. This group announces Petersham Avenue running West to East.  Petersham Road continues Southwards, lined mostly on the East side with large 18th century or later houses in substantial mature gardens set behind timber fences to the street.

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Cottages and Alleyways

By contrast the West side of the road has an eclectic mix of more closely packed detached or terraced houses and cottages. Here more modestly scaled buildings and smaller garden plots are set behind low front boundaries to the street. Nos.209-237 are an important group of largely unspoilt terraced cottages dating from the late 18th and 19th centuries. They form the gateway to the village from the South. River Lane is a quiet retreat from the busy Petersham Road leading to the riverbank. The surviving historic alleyways further contribute to the distinctive village character of this area.

Fuller information concerning Petersham houses can be found in Richmond History Nos 18 and 19 in Richmond Local Studies library. See also publications Ham and Petersham at 2000, Ham House and its Owners and Evelyn Pritchard’s Guide to Street Names. 

For further information on Richmond Local Studies library see www.richmond.gov.uk