5 /5 W W Howe: Marble Hill house is the former home of Henrietta Howard and is the last complete survivor of the elegant villas that bordered the Thames between Richmond and Hampton Court in the 18th century.
Henriettas story is an interesting one, born into the wealthy Hobart family of Blickling Hall in Norfolk she was the mistress of king George II who gifted her the funds to build Marble Hill house.
Later the house was owned by Johnathan Peel,the brother of Sue Robert Peel and later again by the Cunard family of shipping fame.
Inside the house are numerous portraits including Henrietta, George II and other influential people if the time. There is a mahogany staircase which would have been very expensive and it is believed that George II had a hand in this two.
The poet Alexander Pope was a frequent visitor to Marble Hill and was thought to hold a candle for Henrietta but this was not reciprocated. He had a hand in the design of the gardens and was also able to invite his literary friends including Johnathan Swift. Eventually Pope withdrew no doubt due to the fact Henrietta was not romantically attracted to him.
The house is managed by English Heritage but is currently free to enter for all. There is a car park which is free for members and chargeable for non members.
There are public toilets on the ground floor of the house including an accessible toilet.
Refreshments are available at the former stable block a few minutes walk from the house.
The gardens and parklands are quite large and again free to all, a great place to picnic,walk your dog, exercise etc. and is close to the Thames path.