The Evolution of London's Arcadia

The term Arcadia is derived from the Greek Arkadia mountain district in the Peloponnese, and taken to mean an 'ideal rustic paradise' of man and nature co-existing in harmony.

Creating an Arcadia along the Thames

During the 18th Century, an Arcadia was created along the Thames below Richmond Hill. Magnificent Royal and Aristocratic palaces, gardens and parks were constructed and linked by a series of avenues and then set within a framework of meadows and woodland.

The People's Landscape

Through a process of purchase with public funds, legislation and access agreements the privileged landscape of the 18th Century was opened up for the enjoyment of the public. So by the late Victorian age, this stretch of the Thames had become the 'Playground' for Londoners. Arcadia had been democratised.