PREFACE. 
“Kew, as it exists to-day, was formed by the fusion of two 
distinct properties or domains, both Royal, but with entirely 
different histories. They correspond roughly to the west and 
east halves of the present gardens. The western half was known 
as Richmond Gardens. 'The eastern half corresponds in great 
part to the grounds of Kew House, and to this the name of Kew 
Gardens was originally confined. The two properties were 
separated by Love Lane, the ancient bridle road between Rich- 
mond and Brentford Ferry." (Kew Bulletin, 1891, p. 281.) 
Richmond Lodge or House had been granted in 1707 by Queen 
Anne to the Duke of Ormonde. It was purchased from his 
family by George II. when Prince of Wales. It was a favourite 
residence of Queen Caroline, and was ultimately pulled down by 
George III. about 1771. 
Kew House had been the residence of Lord Capel of Tewkes- 
bury, a brother of the Earl of Essex. It was leased by Frederick, 
Prinee of Wales, and was the home of his widow, the Princess 
Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, till her death. In 1759 she commenced 
the scientific history of Kew by establishing a Botanic or, as it was 
then called, a Physie Garden. George III. acquired the property, 
and in 1803 pulled down Kew House also. He obtained two Acts 
of Parliament empowering him to close Love Lane, but this was 
apparently not finally accomplished till 1802. . 
The area of the Gardens as they at present exist is something 
under half a square mile. While the western half shows for the 
most part little evidence of the soil having been ever disturbed by 
cultivation, beyond being thickly planted with trees, this is not 
the case with the eastern half, much of which has at one time or 
another apparently been brought under the plough. 
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