The Orchard

Around 1853 Charles Ellis, wine merchant and son of Joseph Ellis (proprietor of the Star & Garter at Richmond), built The Orchard on the site of the orchard belonging to Swannell's farm. Charles was the author of Richmond: and Other Poems which was published in 1845.

The house was used in the 1890s as an overflow domitory for Temple Grove School. In 1974 the house was divided into three residences: Orchard House, Mulberry Cottage and Fig Tree Cottage with other newer houses built on the site. The stables were converted to Orchard Cottage. One can still see high up on the north side of the house, 61 Christ Church Road, a stone inscribed "C.E. 1856".