Old Townhall

“Twelve Quakers quite still.” That’s what Queen Elizabeth II’s proclamation said about this building, but do you know why? We are standing in front of the Old Townhall, a Grade II listed building that has witnessed centuries of history in Richmond upon Thames. It was built in the late 1890s, a gift from the local philanthropist Sir John Whittaker Ellis, who served as the first mayor of Richmond after the area was granted its borough charter. Sir John’s name can be found in Whittaker Avenue, a street that runs right next to it. For a brief period, after the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames was formed, the building was used as part of the Social Services Department. But after renovations in the 1980s, the Old Townhall turned into the information hub for the borough: The Information and Reference Library sits here. This library houses a vast range of resources, including reference books, encyclopedias, directories, and maps. Also, you will find the Local Studies Collection that highlights the local area’s history. Today, you can also find several specialist information and leisure services in this building, like the Museum of Richmond on the second floor, which offers free entry and showcases the town’s long history. It is quite fascinating to see the blend of past and present. Do you realize the story of Old Townhall isn’t just about the building itself, but also about the people who have walked through its doors, the decisions made within its walls, and the memories etched within its bricks? You are standing in one of the most historic buildings in the town. You are part of that story right now, and it’s just the beginning.