Walkers' guides, historical studies, collections of spectacular photographs of the Park throughout the year – our list of books on Richmond Park includes both established favourites currently available in bookshops, and out of print books that can still be found on the second-hand market.
Books currently in print
These two books are well-known to many who love the Park:
Richmond Park: The Walker's Guide by David McDowall (published by David McDowall, revised and expanded edition 2006) is available from bookshops in Richmond, East Sheen and Kingston and also online. This fascinating guide to the Park includes 11 listed walks and numerous maps.
A Year in the Life of Richmond Park by Joanna Jackson (published by Frances Lincoln, 2003) is a collection of wonderful photos of the Park and its wildlife throughout the year, with a well-informed commentary. We're grateful for Joanna's permission to use some of her photos on this website.
See also:
Wild in the City by Andrew Wilson (published by Unity Print and Publishing, 2009), a collection of photos of the open spaces of Putney, Barnes and Richmond. Richmond Park accounts for about half of the book, with some very atmospheric shots of deer, wildfowl and landscape.
Out of print books
There are many books about the Park – or which mention the Park – which are now out of print but which can be obtained on the second-hand market. These include:
Richmond Park: the history of a Royal Deer Park by Michael Baxter Brown (Robert Hale, 1985) is an authoritative account by a former Superintendent.
A History of Richmond Park by CL Collenette (Sidgwick & Jackson,1937) gives a wide-ranging account of the history of the Park, including details of the birds and animals which have been seen in the Park over the centuries.
Richmond Park: Portrait of a Royal Playground by Pamela Fletcher Jones (Phillimore & Co Ltd,1972; Bentalls, 3rd edition 1996) contains a good deal of detailed historical research about the development of the Park over three centuries, with illustrations.
The Royal Manor of Richmond with Petersham, Ham & Kew by Mrs Arthur G (Nancy) Bell (George Bell & Sons, 1907) includes one chapter on the Park.
Palaces and Parks of Richmond and Kew by John Cloake (Phillimore & Co Ltd, Vol I 1995, Vol II 1996) is the definitive, scholarly account of its subject matter. Volume I deals with the period up to 1660, and thus contains material about the Park's enclosure and the Commonwealth period. Volume II brings the story almost up to the present day. Expertly researched and generously illustrated.