View from White Lodge, Richmond Park. Credit Giles Barnard
The life of an 18th century brewer and activist will be remembered this week.
On 16 May 1758, John Lewis won a court case against Princess Amelia - daughter of George II and ranger of Richmond Park - to open the park to the public.
250 years on and a plaque commemorating John Lewis's success will be unveiled by Susan Kramer, MP for Richmond Park, and Councillor Marc Cranfield-Adams, the Mayor of Richmond upon Thames.
This will be followed by a re-enactment of the public's mass walk from Sheen Gate to Ham Gate.
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, added: "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."
