The Royal Star and Garter Home, at the top of Richmond Hill, was established when the British Red Cross Society bought the old Richmond Star and Garter Hotel in 1915 to accommodate severely disabled soldiers returning from the First World War. As it soon became apparent that the hotel was unsuitable for its new purpose and too small,  it was demolished.

A new home was built in its place after much fractious debate amongst those involved. This survived as a home for disabled sailors, soldier and airmen until 2014 when, once again, it was seen as no longer fit for purpose and it was sold (for development as private apartments) to fund the building of modern care homes elsewhere. In Richmond History 30 (2009),  Stephen Spencer writes about the disputes concerning the building of the Royal Star and Garter Home. You can read it here.

In Richmond History 20 (1999), Simon Fowler reflects on a different aspect of the Star and Garter Home’s early history, the remarkable philanthropy of British and overseas people, especially women, who gave money to establish the Home. Their generosity was stimulated by the growing numbers of the wounded, the need to care for them and the desire to commemorate the fallen. Richmond, we are told, “will indeed be proud to have such heroes in our midst, and to share with them the exceptional natural beauties and many interests with which she is so lavishly endowed”. You can read the story here.