An ancient barrow in Richmond Park is known as King Henry’s Mound. Dating back to neolithic times it was probably created as a burial mound, and is the highest point in the park, offering predictably impressive as well as some surprising views. Despite its prehistoric origin, it is better associated, factually or not, with a more recent event, namely the killing of Anne Boleyn.

Protected view
The story from which the mound gets its name records that in 1536 King Henry VIII climbed to the top to look out for a signal from the Tower of London that Anne Boleyn had lost her head and he was thus free to remarry. This said, no evidence exists to back up this story, and it is thought more likely he was Wiltshire at the time. The name, however, stuck.
Regardless of whether he ever stood at the summit of the mound or not, the view from it looking out over St. Paul’s Cathedral in the distance has not gone unappreciated. So much so in fact it has become officially protected, meaning no buildings can be erected to obstruct the sightline, and that feeds into the enjoyment of using the telescope permanently located there. Even the copse of trees that grow at the top of the hill has been bored through to allow people to take in a view that King Henry probably never did.

Telescope looking south-west from the Mound
To visit enter Richmond Park from Richmond Gate in the north west and walk a short distance down Queens Road. The closest station is Richmond (tube and rail).

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