250th anniversary of the right to walk through Richmond Park

On 16 May 2008 The Friends of Richmond Park and The Royal Parks will mark the 250th anniversary of the Richmond brewer, John Lewis' success in re-establishing the right of public access to Richmond Park.

Susan Kramer, MP for Richmond Park, and Councillor Marc Cranfield-Adams, the Mayor of Richmond upon Thames, will unveil a plaque commemorating John Lewis at 2pm at Sheen Gate in Richmond Park. A re-creation of the mass walk from Sheen Gate to Ham Gate will follow.

In 1758, John Lewis won a court case against the Park Ranger, Princess Amelia, daughter of George II to open the Park to the public. On 16 May that year, Sheen Gate and Ham Gate were opened, and local people staged a mass walk between the two gates.

Ron Crompton, Chairman of the Friends of Richmond Park said: "This is an important occasion for the Park: John Lewis secured a great victory, and the Park has been open to the public ever since."

Simon Richards, Park Manager, Richmond Park said: "The Royal Parks are delighted to work with the Friends of Richmond Park. This event recognises the continuing importance of free public access to one of the greatest remaining wildlife refuges in London - a right which has endured over the centuries."

Media Contacts:

For further information or images or to arrange an interview please contact Katy Murray, Media Relations Officer for The Royal Parks, on 020 7298 2128 or kmurray@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk.

Notes to Editors

The commemoration of John Lewis is supported by The Friends of Richmond Park; The Royal Parks; the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames; and the Richmond Civic Trust.

About John Lewis:

• This is the first memorial to John Lewis that will be put up in Richmond Park.
• Pedestrian access to the Park had been permitted from the time of its enclosure by Charles I in 1637, but during the period of the Rangership of Robert Walpole (son of the Prime Minister of the same name) in the 1730s and 40s significant restrictions were imposed. The next Ranger, Princess Amelia, daughter of George II, then closed the Park in 1751 to all but those who she had favoured with a ticket.
• John Lewis was outraged by this and in 1755 he provoked an incident in which he was physically denied access on foot through Sheen Gate. He then successfully prosecuted the gatekeeper, Martha Lewis, for obstructing the highway; this led to a definitive ruling by the court in April 1758 on the existence of the public's rights, and the paths were re-opened the following month.

About The Friends of Richmond Park:

• The Friends of Richmond Park is a voluntary society, formed in 1961, whose objective is to help preserve Richmond Park, its natural beauty and its plant and animal life. Anyone who cares about the Park is encouraged to visit it, to enjoy its beauty and tranquillity, and to learn about its diverse animal and plant life. Amongst its other activities, The Friends organises guided walks and wildlife courses designed to help people appreciate the Park whilst conserving its flora and fauna. For more details visit: www.frp.org.uk.

About Richmond Park:

• Richmond Park is London's largest National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is internationally important for its wildlife and designated as a European Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

About The Royal Parks:

• The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James's Park. For more details visit: www.royalparks.org.uk
• The Royal Parks Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.