1:20pm Saturday 4th September 2010
By Times reporter
Some of the borough’s most historic gems will reveal their secrets to the public.
More than 20 buildings will throw open their doors allowing visitors special access to the architectural treasures.
Among the sites opening is the gothic Grove Gardens Chapel at Richmond Cemetery, and Woolborough House, in Barnes – home of the British Ballet Organisation.
In addition, Ham House, and Hampton Court Palace will be running behind the scenes tours detailing the chequered histories of their famous owners.
And there will be a chance to see inside buildings not normally open to the public as part of the London Open House weekend.
The multi-million Teddington School development is one of the new sites added to this year’s programme.
Staff and pupils will start the new school term at the state-of-the-art building.
Other council-owned buildings taking part in the scheme include the “classroom of the future”, at Meadlands Primary School, Ham, Heathfield Children’s Centre, and Lowther Children’s Centre, in Barnes, which won a Civic Trust award for its unusual design.
York House, the council’s headquarters, will also open its doors.
The 17th century mansion was the home of the Earl of Clarendon and also had links with the French aristocracy, having been acquired by the Duc D’Aumale for his nephew.
The house was acquired by Twickenham Borough Council in 1924 and since 1965 has been the municipal offices of Richmond Council.
Councillor Pamela Fleming, cabinet member for communities, said: “Our borough has some of the most stunning buildings anywhere in London, from the historic to the super-modern, and we should take pride in living in such an interesting area.
“Open House is a marvellous way for people to explore the borough and get to know more about where we all live.
“There are so many interesting places to be visited it is hard to know how to fit them all in.”
London Open House weekend runs from September 18 to 19.
Copies of the programme guide will be available in libraries across the borough.
24, 28 and 31 Fieldend, Twickenham. White Lodge, Richmond Park. Twickenham Museum, The Embankment, Twickenham. Architectural tours of Kew Gardens, plus see inside the Jodrell laboratory and the herbarium, library art and archives. Richmond Theatre. Richmond Green. Marble Hill House, Richmond Road, Twickenham. Orleans House Gallery, Twickenham riverside. Kilmoray Mausoleum, St Margarets Road. Garrick’s Temple to Shakespeare, Hampton Court Road, Hampton.
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