Pharaoh's Island
Pharaoh's Island is an inhabited island in the River Thames, known locally as an 'eyot'. It belonging to Middlesex, though amidst the stream which divides that county from Surrey. The eyot lies 270 m upstream of Shepperton Lock.
Overview
The island has a length of 306 yards and a maximum width of 66 yards. Shepperton Lock is 295 yards downstream and two other channels leading to weirs diverge off after the island to its southeast. These channels then surround Lock Island and Hamhaugh Island.
The island is only accessible by boat, with the facilities of Lock Island downstream and moorings there or by the pub The Thames Court almost opposite its eastern tip on the nearer, north bank.
River Level
Above the lock, the variation in river level has been between 3 inches at the lock gate and 39 inches. This compares favourably to variation below the lock at between 9 feet and 16 feet in depth.[1]
History
The island was given to Admiral Nelson after the Battle of the Nile (1798). He used it as a fishing retreat.
Residential Development
Since the late 20th century the island has hosted 14 homes with individual moorings. Each of the properties has an Egyptian name.[2]
Outside links
- Location map: 51°22’57"N, 0°27’53"W
- Streetmap: TQ068659
References
- ↑ Environment Agency daily measurements at lock stations Retrieved 2013-07-14
- ↑ 'Nelson's Egypt-on-Thames': Caroline McGhie, The Daily Telegraph 26 July 2006
- Shepperton Lock - The River Thames Guide