Richmond Park - Plantings and Memorials - James Thomson

James Thomson

In 1994 a curved metal bench, known as "Poet's seat", was installed at the north end of Pembroke Lodge Gardens, at a viewpoint overlooking Petersham Park in the area known as Poet’s Corner. Sculpted by Richard Farringdon, it is based on an idea by Jane Fowles who worked with LUC (Land Use Consultants.) The seat is inscribed with lines by James Thomson, the 18th century Scottish poet best known for writing the words to "Rule Britannia!" who, towards the end of his life, lived in Richmond.

At the north eastern end of Pembroke Lodge Gardens there is another memorial to Thomson, who died at Richmond in 1748. This is a black wooden board, originally installed in 1851 as two boards attached to trees near Pembroke Lodge stables. A version of the present board was erected in 1895 by the Selbourne Society. The board has a poem about Thomson by the writer and historian John Heneage Jesse.

Lines from Thomson’s best-known poem, "The Seasons", are inscribed on King Henry’s Mound.