BACKGROUND

Walmer Street forms part of the eastern boundary of Studley Park, and at its southern end there was at one time a ferry for foot passengers, popularly known as the Simpson's Road Ferry, as it formed a connection between Kew and that road.

 

In 1892, this was later replaced by a footbridge, as means were required to take the water main for the supply of the Botanical Gardens and Albert Park Lake over the river. A tunnel was then built alongside the bridge in order to convey the sewerage of portion of Studley Park into the Richmond system. In later years, Simpson's Rd was renamed Victoria St.

 

"Walmer House" is another of the older erections in Kew, and was the home of Mr. Joseph Lush, an early partner in the well known drapery firm now Hicks, Atkinson and Co. Colonel Ballenger's house, at the corner of Walmer Street and Studley Park Road, was formerly known as "Vil1a Alba," and was the residence of Mr. William Greenlaw, general manager of the Colonial Bank, who jealously guarded the interests of the park, regarding it almost as his own private property.

 

From the tower a fine outlook over the park lands and towards was obtained.