Regency Hot Spots: Richmond via the Thames

By | |

The most complete view of London are obtained from its three bridges From London bridge the multitude of shipping present a scene the most gratifying to the patriot who in an excursion down the river may behold the na tions of the globe as it were pouring in their tributary productions to increase the opulence of this great capital A most interesting view of the metropolis is also obtained from Blackfriars and Westminster bridges Indeed from whatever point of view we behold this vast emporium we must be struck with its dignity extent and magnifi cence BLACKFRIARS BRIDGE 93
scenes of trade will repay the curiosity of the visitor An excursion up the Thames in fine weather to Richmond Twickenham or Hampton Court will afford a most delightful amusement The most enchanting riety of picturesque objects is presented to the eye ja pleasing series during the voyage na

A View of London: Or, the Stranger’s Guide Through the British Metropolis …. (1803). United Kingdom: B. Crosby.

Steamboat services on the Thames began operating in about 1815, so this reference is likely referring to a pleasure yacht.

One of the most delightful recreations to the inhabitants of London is an aquatic excursion to Richmond Embracing a morning tide a party can enjoy a long day's amusement On these occasions it is customary to carry with the company all that will supply the wants of a rural festival even to their knives and forks and a cold collation which on a warm summer's day must always be considered a treat appears consistent with a fête champêtre Landing from their boats in the vicinity of Richmond Hill parties usually take up their quarters under the shade of lofty elms or groups of oaks from whence until the dinner hour arrives it is customary for the visitors to take their stroll through different parts of the town and park The meal finished it is no uncommon thing to view very genteel assemblages tripping it lightly to the tones of some musical instrument and on their return home to amuse themselves with glees and solo singing The day on these occasions usually finishes with a visit to the enchant ing scenes of Vauxhall It is no uncommon sight on a Sunday to see some hundred wherries cutters and sailing boats floating up the Thames and should you be late with the tide it is a chance if you do not pass innumerable parties who have arrived before you lining the banks of the river and already at their sylvan
repast The scenery from its accompaniments becomes highly interesting and picturesque In suggesting to my readers these rational amusements I would beg to remind them of the comforts arising from an awning covering their boats a sultry day on the water unless sheltered from the sun's effects oftentimes becomes oppressive and inconvenient to females I would also remind a party how pleasant it is to make a landing when half way on the excur sion and the same on their return to relieve them from the cramped position which unavoidably occurs in a boat the very acme of pleasure is to render every part of its enjoyment comfortable Upon certain days in each season the most elevated charac ters as well as the humbler classes consider these delectable excursions worthy of their attention hence we see all the companies of the City with the Admiralty Victualling Tri nity and a long et cetera of Government barges and noblemen and gentlemen's pinnaces cutters and pleasure boats enjoying this pastime

People could also hire a watermen to take them on a wherry up the Thames to a variety of destinations.

sort of highroad without dust I own I can hardly forgive the Lord of the Esk for preferring the banks of the Thames as a residence This latter river makes the delight of the cockneys of Lon don and on Sunday particularly the number of pleasure boats plying between Richmond and the capital is prodigious they are generally co vered with an awning and decorated with flags and streamers The custom of stopping on the lawns along the river and making a repas champêtre
pêtre with provisions brought in the boat proves I suppose a great nuisance to the refined pro prietors of these favourite spots for I have ob served on several of them boards put up with writing forbidding such trespasses and vulgar sports on their premises The Bishop of London wanting to put a stop to this profanation of the Sabbath thought it necessary to ascertain first the extent of the evil and to that end had the number of boats passing under the bridge in the course of one Sunday taken down but finding it to exceed 4000 he gave it up in despair Dif ficult as it should seem to be drowned in so in considerable a river as the Thames above Lon don accidents are frequent from the imprudence of the city navigators who carry sail in these small boats flat and without ballast I have seen some of them sitting or lying over the awning with the true temerity of inexperience No trade is inconsiderable in London for the Simond, L. (1817). Journal of a Tour and Residence in Great Britain, During the Years 1810 and 1811. United Kingdom: J. Ballantyne and Company.

Steamboats would make river tours even more accessible to folks, as well as commerce.
Learn more:

Regency Travel: Wherries on the Thames

Who were the River Thames watermen? | London Museum

Regency Pastimes: Sailing and Rowing Competitions

 

Discover more from Regency Reader

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

2 Responses to Regency Hot Spots: Richmond via the Thames

  1. Anonymous says:
    April 24, 2026 at 9:01 am

    What a fantastic print, and one I haven’t seen before. I do enjoy a Thames image. One of my ancestors was a tug boat captain and I have strong evidence to suggest that his was one of the boats which pulled the infamous Temeraire up the Thames.

    • Anne says:
      April 24, 2026 at 12:13 pm

      What an amazing find in your family history, and what a fascinating character. I can imagine being a tugboat Cap on the Thames was exciting, stressful, and a front row seat to the action. Thanks for sharing! The image was sourced from Wikimedia Commons if you are looking to grab a jpg for yourself.