Pavilion At Richmond Athletic Ground

This is a sports pavilion, built around 1886 when the Richmond Athletic Ground was created. Later alterations occurred in the 20th century, though a recent addition to the west is not of architectural importance. The ground floor is predominantly red brick with a filled-in north-facing verandah supported by timber. The upper floor is timber-framed and clad in weatherboarding, covered by a pantiled roof. It has two storeys. The south side of the ground floor features nine sash windows with cambered head linings and panelled aprons, along with two similar doorcases divided by pilasters. The first floor is clad in diagonally and vertically set weatherboarding. A unique feature is the verandah which extends to two sides, providing views over the playing areas, and is supported by Moghul-inspired square piers with bracketed capitals. The north side has a central pediment with scrolled details, swags, and lettering identifying the organisation. Below the eaves are further decorative panels with swags. Gable ends have eclectic applied framing, and elaborate three- and four-light “chinoise” windows and doors are present. The south side features two tiers of columns supporting the verandah. The pavilion is notable for not being dedicated to a single sport; the grounds were used by the Richmond Town Cricket Club (1886-1958), the Richmond Rugby Football Club (from 1889), the London Scottish Rugby Football Club (from 1894), and the Royal Richmond Horse Show (1892-1967), which was part of the London Season.