Richmond's mayor meets ... Richmond's mayor

A historic link brought two mayors of identically named cities together on Thursday. 

Mayor Richard Pyne of Richmond, England and his wife, Helen, met with local Richmond Mayor Danny Avula in front of "the view that named Richmond" at Libby Hill.

Pyne said his self-invited visit to the area was his first, but also the first of any Richmond, England mayor in 17 years. 

“I think that’s far too long,” he said. “We wanted to reforge the links between Richmond in the UK and Richmond here.”

He and Avula, who were meeting for the first time, told a crowd of about 30 people that they hope to foster an international connection amid everything going on at the national level. 

“We’re being internationally minded, which I think is very important at these slightly difficult times that's going on at the moment,” Pyne said. 

Pyne said he and the 54 councillors representing Richmond of his city expressed well wishes for local residents in Richmond of the U.S. 

Avula said Pyne’s visit is “a really cool moment” and hopes that their relationship will continue throughout his administration, while building more relationships with mayors across the world who can serve “as a source of support and wisdom” in his new role.

When Richmond was discovered, settlers named it after the English city because the bend of the James River reminded them of the bend in the Thames River. Pyne, a lover of history, pointed out the bend.

Pyne said he will be in Richmond for a few more days to learn more about the city’s history by visiting local museums and historical sites.