| Summary : The site of Cambridge Cottage has been occupied by houses since at least the early 17th century. The present building has its origins in the early 18th century when it was built and furnished by Christopher Appleby, a barrister. Its first connection with Kew came in 1758 when the property was leased to Lord Bute, Princess Augusta's botanical advisor and one of the people behind the development of the gardens in the 18th century. In 1772, the house was purchased by George III, who lodged Prince William and Prince Edward there. George III presented it to his seventh son, the Duke of Cambridge, in who made it his permanent residence in 1838-40. He extended the property adding new bedrooms and an extra wing and a veranda. In 1904 the building passed into the hands of the Gardens and in 1910 was converted into a Forestry Museum and offices. It continued in this role until 1988 when the ground floor rooms were converted to an art gallery and conference space. The building itself is constructed from brown brick and is of two storeys in with an eleven bay front elevation. Its garden front has a slightly recessed centre with four widely spaced windows and two flanking wings. |