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The Hearsum Collection

An 18th-century illustration of St. James's Park shows a bustling scene with elegantly dressed figures near a fountain, vast gardens, and a scenic landscape.

Preserving the story of Richmond Park and the Royal Parks

The Hearsum Collection is a registered charity (No. 1153010). Its purpose is simple. It helps people understand the history of Richmond Park and the wider Royal Parks.

The Collection was formally established in 2013. However, the work began much earlier. Over time, it brought together historical material that was once spread across many archives and private collections.

Today, the Collection shares this history in a clear and accessible way. It focuses on making the past easy to explore and understand for everyone.

BUILT OVER DECADES OF CARE AND RESEARCH

A growing historical archive

The Collection has grown steadily over many years. It now holds more than 8,500 historical items. Together, these items cover around 400 years of park history.

These records include prints, paintings, maps, postcards, photographs, documents, books and newspaper cuttings. Each item adds a small part to the wider story of Richmond Park.

Rather than sitting in storage, the Collection is actively cared for. Volunteers from the Friends of Richmond Park help to catalogue and organise the archive. As a result, the material becomes easier to understand and use.

A fleet of sailing ships with various flags anchor on the Serpentine River near a Richmond park. People in boats and onshore watch, creating a festive atmosphere.
A typewritten UFO report dated March 17, 1975. It describes a sighting of a large star-like object near the moon by officers on patrol. The report mentions the object's movements and visibility in the night sky. The document is signed by two officers, B. Bragg and B. Williams, with their signatures at the bottom.
Historical engraving depicting Richmond Park with various buildings and people.
A WIDE AND VARIED RECORD OF THE PAST

What the collection includes

The Hearsum Collection brings together a wide mix of historical material. It includes many different types of records, such as:

– Historic maps showing how the park has changed over time
– Early photographs capturing lost landscapes and buildings
– Paintings and prints of Richmond Park across different eras
– Postcards and printed memorabilia
– Books, documents and written records
– Press cuttings documenting key events and stories

Together, these items offer a detailed and often unexpected view of life in and around Richmond Park over the centuries.

A woman, Lady Dudley, with a bow in her hair, elegantly styled, exuding grace and charm.
Black police helmet with a silver badge of the Royal Parks Constabulary. A name tag reading "K. Clarke" lies beside it. The tone is formal and historical.
MORE THAN JUST HISTORICAL OBJECTS

Why the Collection Matters

The value of the Hearsum Collection is not only in the objects it holds. It is also in the story those objects tell when viewed together.

They help explain how the Royal Parks developed. They also show how people have used these spaces over time. In addition, they highlight how landscapes change through history, politics and everyday life.

Because of this, Richmond Park is more than a green space. It is also a living record of the past.

Historic map of Richmond Park Estate, Surrey, showing pathways, wooded areas, ponds, and entrances. The green and beige hues evoke a vintage feel.
Making the collection more available

The Collection continues to grow and develop. Volunteers play an important role in cataloguing and preserving the material. This work helps make more of the archive available over time.

The long-term goal is clear. The team wants to make the Collection easier for everyone to explore, both online and in future visitor experiences.

Although the work is ongoing, progress continues steadily. Above all, the focus remains on sharing heritage openly rather than keeping it hidden away.