Richmond Lawn Tennis Club was established in 1873/74, on the Old Deer Park where it was written, 'King George III Merino sheep kept the pastureland in excellent condition'. According to the historian Pat Lindon the patenting of the game of lawn tennis and the formulation of its rules were instigated by Major Walter Wingfield in 1874. This means RLTC was amongst the earliest tennis clubs in the country

The parent club, Richmond Cricket Club, founded in 1862, soon spawned a croquet and archery club ahead of the tennis club. Lady members were admitted from 1883. (Rosslyn Park rugby was formed in 1894, to be succeeded in 1957 by London Welsh RFC).

In a recently published RCC history magazine, entitled "1666 and all that... 325 years of cricket at Richmond" appeared the following:

"Around 1870 a joint croquet and archery club was formed, but the new tenants were remiss when they sought to introduce a lawn tennis court without seeking permission from the Crown. After a period of difficulty, leave was obtained to lay down the courts and also a skating rink, but both projects were ill-fated. The skating rink never materialised and the lawn tennis committee were informed that they must pack up as their activities were 'injurious to the ground'. Tennis did, in fact, get established later; but the first tenants to take up permanent residence were Richmond Hockey Club".

By 1878 the annual subscription for combined membership of the cricket and the tennis clubs was one and a half guineas (just over £1)

Jan 16 1884, under 'Lawn Tennis' appeared the following "Richmond C. and LTC. The club as a Cricket Club, has been established over 22 years lawn-tennis having been connected with it for 10 years. It numbers over 300 members. The ground is situated in the Old Deer Park, and there are 24 courts, 12 of which are generally in use at a time, in addition to an asphalte court for winter use specially. The size of the ground is 15 acres and it is within 5 minute walk of either the old or new stations at Richmond. The subscription to the club is one and a half guineas and half a guinea entrance. This includes lawn tennis and cricket".

Club tournaments were popular events by 1900 and by 1912 many of the fixtures we play today against local clubs had been established.

RLTC membership has included County players, Wimbledon Tournament contestants, referees and non-sleeping linesmen. Their courts have hosted pre-Wimbledon tournaments

Neville Pinnington