Two Richmonds honour Sir David Attenborough

Broadcaster Sir David Attenborough has been named as the recipient of the inaugural ‘Richmonds Medal’ for his outstanding contributions to preserving the River Thames corridor within the London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames.

The new award, which will be presented at a gala evening event at Hampton Court Palace on 31 March 2014, has been created by preservation organisations in Richmond, Virginia (Scenic Virginia) and Richmond-upon-Thames (Father Thames Trust/Thames Landscape Strategy).  It recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to preserving heritage and environment in the twinned cities on either side of the Atlantic. In 2015, the ‘Richmonds Medal’ will be presented to a prestigious American recipient in Richmond, Virginia.

In tribute to the close relationship between the two Richmonds, and in appreciation of the work of renowned naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, business and community leaders in Richmond, Virginia will ‘cross the pond’ for the occasion. Their intent is to support current efforts to preserve their own view by learning more on how the view of the River Thames from Richmond Hill in England has been preserved while still allowing for thoughtful  development and enhanced heritage in London.

The two Richmonds began their relationship nearly 400 years ago when Colonel William Byrd II, a wealthy merchant and planter, sailed up the James River and named the area he found ‘Richmond’, because the view of the river from what is now Libby Hill was so strikingly similar to that of the Thames from Richmond Hill, where he had spent time during his youth.