The walk upstream to Richmond is back on Bertie’s and my agenda. Yesterday we completed it in two hours, thirty-five minutes; creditable considering Bertie had to play with a canine chum, board a houseboat (Avanti), and join a picnic.
When we get to Richmond we walk, both our noses in the air, past The White Swan whose highly-strung, hoighty-toighty landlord ejected us with those wonderful words , redolent of Norman Balon at The Coach and Horses in Soho, “you’re barred”. But I don’t want to dwell on that poor chap, so obviously unsuited to the hospitality business.
We walk up a narrow lane that has Asgill House on our right and some rather well maintained small Georgian (?) terraced houses. But there is this plaque which explains why the road is called Old Palace Lane. The weight of history descends on my shoulders like a benediction reminding me to remain loyal to the crown, uphold democracy and remain a member of the Church of Ireland. I cannot say what thoughts are going through Bertie’s mind.
Take a walk along the lane with local resident, Bamber Gascoigne, to guide you.
https://izi.travel/en/4665-old-palace-lane-walking-tour/en#tour_details_first