Explore our borough’s rich local history

The Know Your Place heritage festival is returning this spring! Find out about events and activities featuring Richmond's fascinating history.

This year, the Know Your Place festival has been moved to spring, making the most of the warmer weather with a fascinating riverside exhibition as well as talks, workshops, and the re-launch of the Whitton history walk.

For over a decade, the Know Your Place heritage festival has celebrated and engaged residents and visitors with the borough's people and places through a carefully curated programme of events, exhibitions, talks, walks, tours, and workshops.

Whether you’re interested in the mysterious stories of the history of Mortlake and Barnes, uncovering the history of Richmond riverside, or researching the history of your own home, there’s something for everyone. Here are some events taking place this month.

The folklore of the great River Thames

On Friday 16 May, this Reminiscence Café talk led by Mark Lewis will explore forgotten ceremonies, frozen frost fairs, and thrilling tales of smuggling and piracy - legends that have shaped the soul of the Thames for centuries.

Book Thames folklore tickets

Richmond, Konstanz and Fontainebleau

As part of the celebration of our European partnership, this enlightening talk on Tuesday 20 May will feature the vibrant sporting, cultural and educational exchanges that have flourished between Richmond, Fontainebleau in France and Konstanz in Germany.

Book Richmond, Konstanz, Fontainebleau tickets

You can find out more about our summer celebration to recognise the reaffirmation of these European partnerships.

A Tale of Two Parishes

On Thursday 22 May, join us in delving into the rich history of Mortlake and Barnes! Local historian David Deaton will explore the fascinating stories told by the restored tithe maps of Barnes and Mortlake.

Book A Tale of Two Parishes tickets

All events

You can view the full programme and book your tickets now.