Prince Frederick's Plans for Kew

Explore Kew Gardens - Virtual Tour



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After her husband's premature death in 1751, Princess Augusta dedicated herself to realizing Prince Frederick's plans for his Kew estate. She completed his Lake and a peripheral woodland walk enclosed extensive lawns. Chambers added classical and oriental buildings. A public lane on the west side separated it from Richmond Lodge where Queen Caroline had lived. This plan shows the layout of her garden in 1763.




This print shows the large lake, the Temple of Arethusa on the left and the White House in the distance. The Swan Boat was a birthday present to the young Prince of Wales in 1755. Its neck was 18 feet high; it held 10 passengers and was propelled by four feet "artfully contrived as to supply the place of oars".




A view of part of the Lake and its island, which was reached by a Chinese-style bridge. Beyond it are the Orangery, the Temple of Bellona among the trees, the Temple of Eolus on its mound and, on the extreme right, a glimpse of the House of Confucius.