Langham Cottage

Langham Cottage is an early 18th-century Georgian Cottage. It is understood that it was previously used as the gardener’s cottage for the gardens of the adjacent stately home, York House.

From the Twickenham Riverside Conservation Area

The village has medieval origins, centred around the Parish Church of St. Mary, which dates back to the 14th century. The village grew outward from this historic core as time passed, with Georgian and early Victorian development shaping the area. In the 18th century, some grand villas sprang up along the river, but the arrival of the railway in 1863 shifted attention toward the centre of Twickenham. York Street was built in 1890, becoming the main route to Richmond, bypassing the original heart of the village.

Its rich history and architectural value define the area's character. Initially designated for its original village core and scenic riverfront, the conservation area was expanded to include Marble Hill Park and its stately 18th-century surroundings, like Montpelier Row. The area later stretched westward to encompass Radnor Gardens, a peaceful public space along the Thames, home to a listed summerhouse. These gardens sit next to St. Catherine's Convent, once the site of Alexander Pope’s house, where his famous grotto remains. Ryan House, also a listed building, adds to the charm and character of the gardens.

Further extensions to the conservation area included a stretch of Richmond Road, featuring homes that reflect their neighbours' Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian designs within the protected zone. Nestled between the Thames and the main road to Richmond, the river’s presence profoundly influences the landscape and architecture. The river’s double curve offers continually unfolding views of both banks, framed by mature trees and greenery. The area is also classified as having significant archaeological interest, with 17th-century York House and its grounds listed as important landmarks.

The village core, which sits on a raised terrace overlooking the river, includes Church Street and its narrow alleyways. This part of the village is closely tied to the Thames and forms a striking focal point when viewed from across the water, with views stretching as far as Radnor Gardens, Ham House, and Richmond Hill. The physical and visual connections between Church Street and the river are vital in showcasing the village’s historic evolution and current character. The streets are narrow, lined with two- and three-story buildings, many of which are listed and date back to at least the 18th century. The medieval layout of burgage plots is still evident, and any new development has carefully respected this scale. St. Mary’s Church remains the village’s centrepiece, standing tall among the historic buildings.

The 17th- and 18th-century developments along the Thames are classic examples of the period’s grand, formal approach to architecture and landscape design. Marble Hill House, a Palladian mansion set on extensive grounds leading down to the river, is a nationally significant example of this style. York House, Orleans House, and Montpelier Row contribute to the area’s remarkable blend of architecture and landscape. These buildings play a strategic role in visually connecting with other significant properties in the area, such as Ham House and Strawberry Hill, as well as key viewpoints like Richmond Hill. While Radnor House and Poulett Lodge may be long gone, their gardens remain, opening up public views of the river and adding to the overall network of scenic vistas. Trees are essential, framing views and creating a beautiful building backdrop.

The riverside area, stretching from Hammerton’s Ferry to Cross Deep, tells the story of Twickenham’s long relationship with the river for industry and recreation. The area takes on a semi-rural feel in parts, especially between Water Lane and Orleans House, with 18th-century homes facing the river and connecting back to the village core via leafy Riverside Lane. York House Gardens straddle this lane, providing a more formal entry to the Embankment area. Here, views open up, creating a promenade where the public can enjoy the water’s edge.