Did you know that...
Kew was called Cayho in the 14th century. The name derives from the French word “kai” which means quay and the Old English word “hoh” which translates to spur of land. It’s possible that, during the Gallic Wars in 54 BC, the River Thames was forded here by order of Julius Caesar. This West London area has links to the Tudor, Stuart, and Georgian monarchies. Charles Somerset, 1st Earl of Worcester owned land in Kew in the 16th century. Mary Tudor stayed here after she returned from France. Elizabeth I owned the Kew Farm.
William IV lived at the Kew Palace. This Royal Palace is within the grounds of Kew Gardens. The palace was a large complex built in the 17th century. The undercroft of a 16th-century building served as a foundation for this palace. The Dutch House is one of the few buildings that survived. It is now a Grade II listed structure. Parts of an 18th-century service wing, a kitchen, a brewhouse, and a cottage can be seen as well. The kitchens are open to the public. Kew Palace complex included a mansion where 18th-century astronomer John Bradley made important discoveries. The present-day sundial is a replica of the 19th-century sundial commissioned by William IV to honor Bradley’s accomplishments.
Jazz writer Richard Cook was born in Kew in 1957. Musician Mick Avory of The Kinks band lives in this TW9 area. Actor Ray Brooks is another famous resident. TV presenter Gabby Logan lives here with husband Kenny Logan, a retired rugby player. Kew Gardens station serves the area. It opened in 1869. The station and footbridge are Grade II listed. Politician Michael Portillo attended the re-opening ceremony in 1989 after the station was renovated. The event is marked by a brass plaque. This station featured in BBC comedy Love Soup as the fictional Hove West station.