Hampton Wick
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hampton Wick | |
Hampton Wick shown within Greater London |
|
OS grid reference | |
---|---|
London borough | Richmond |
Ceremonial county | Greater London |
Region | London |
Constituent country | England |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | KINGSTON UPON THAMES |
Postcode district | KT1 |
Post town | EAST MOLESEY |
Postcode district | KT8 |
Dialling code | 020 |
Police | Metropolitan |
Fire | London |
Ambulance | London |
European Parliament | London |
UK Parliament | Twickenham |
London Assembly | South West |
List of places: UK • England • London |
Hampton Wick is a Thames-side area, formerly a village, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames in London, England.
Once famous for its market gardens well into the twentieth century, it is now commuter-belt territory, housing developments having been built on these areas. Such development is constrained, however, by Bushy Park and Hampton Court Park on the west and the River Thames to the east.
Although north of the River Thames, the area forms part of Kingston upon Thames and East Molesey post towns, which are based on the south side of the river.[1]
There is evidence of Roman occupation; and the first bridge linking the village with Kingston upon Thames over the river is dated from about 1219, replacing the Roman ford at this point. There is also a railway station serving Hampton Wick, with good connections to London Waterloo.
Cardinal Wolsey lived here in a still existing house in Lower Teddington Road while waiting for Hampton Court Palace to be built.[citation needed]
Sir Richard Steele also lived at Hampton Wick, in a house that he whimsically called "the hovel": and "from the Hovel at Hampton Wick, April 7, 1711," he dedicated the fourth volume of the Tatler to Charles, Lord Halifax. This was probably about the time he became surveyor of the royal stables at Hampton Court Palace, governor of the king's comedians, a justice of the peace for Middlesex and a knight.
Hampton Wick also has a cricket club called Hampton Wick Royal Cricket Club.
Hampton Wick was the setting for the 1970's Thames Television situation comedy George and Mildred.
Hampton Wick was also a spoof drama by The Two Ronnies in the first series they did together it also started Madeline Smith.
[edit] References
- ^ Royal Mail, Address Management Guide, (2004)