Oatlands Park

Oatlands Park is in Weybridge, where traditionally the "fat cats" live whenever the tabloid papers need to focus our attention on the rich. But Weybridge once had a Royal resident amongst it's ranks and this was the house she built.

Her Royal Highness, Frederica Charlotte Ulrica Catherina, Duchess of York lived here until her death on 6th August 1820. She was the daughter of Crown Prince Frederick of Prussia, and married Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, the second son of George III in 1791. The marriage however foundered very quickly and it was at this point she moved to Oatlands Park.

She apparently lived quite eccentrically but appears to have been much loved by the locals as she carried out many charitable acts and started benevolent funds. Two years after her death a monument was erected on the nearby, subsequently named, Monument Green, which expresses the fact that her passing was "universally regretted". It is also inscribed with the following verse;

Ye Poor, suppress the mournful sigh,
Her spirit is with Christ on High.
In those birght realms of heav'nly peace.
Where charity shall never cease:
Her deeds of mercy and of love,
Are registered in courts above.

It is now a hotel, somewhat expensive, and a very popular wedding venue.