Old Deer Park

Old Deer Park lies in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, beside the River Thames. The Crown Estate owns the 147-hectare open space, though no deer remain. Most of the park is leased for sports grounds, including rugby, golf and cricket. The western edge forms flood storage areas that protect Richmond during high tides. A long-term plan aims to restore the historic landscape and control inappropriate development. The park began as a royal hunting ground in the 16th century. Queen Elizabeth I granted the land in 1574, and King James I enlarged it to 370 acres in 1603. The name ‘Old Deer Park’ came after 1637 when Charles I created the larger Richmond Park. The Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club has occupied much of the site since 1892. Beneath the 14th fairway lie the remains of Sheen Priory, founded by Henry V in 1414. Visitors find golf courses, sports pitches and the King’s Observatory. Two stone obelisks mark the observatory’s original alignment for observing Venus in 1769. The cricket ground has hosted Richmond and Middlesex matches since 1864. The rugby ground, home to London Welsh Amateur RFC, seats a thousand spectators. The park also holds occasional events like circuses and funfairs along the riverside.