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Orleans House, set in a woodland
garden, was built in 1710 for James Johnson, William III's
Secretary of State for Scotland. At the turn of the
19th century Twickenham became fashionable as a refuge for
royalists fleeing the French Revolution and the exiled Duke
of Orléans, who was later King Louis Philippe, set up home
in the house between 1800 - 1817.
When the main building was demolished
in 1926 the only feature to survive was Octagon, an eight-sided
turret that had formed part of the west wing. Designed
by James Gibbs in 1720, this neo-classical room has plasterwork
and a black and white checked floor, now used as a giant chessboard.
A gallery was later built on
the site of the original house and today both this and the
Octagon are used for changing exhibitions. These include
local and London art, contemporary crafts and local history
displays.
Admission free
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