Pharaoh's Island

From Wikishire
Jump to: navigation, search
Pharaoh's Island from The Thames Court (taken when the river was red-boarded to navigation)

Pharaoh's Island is an inhabited island in the River Thames, known locally as an 'eyot'. It belongs to Middlesex, though amidst the stream which divides that county from Surrey. The eyot lies 300 yards upstream of Shepperton Lock.

Overview

The island has a length of 300 yards and a maximum width of 66 yards. Shepperton Lock is 300 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 three inches at the lock gate and 39 inches. This compares favourably to variation below the lock at between nine 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

References

  1. Environment Agency daily measurements at lock stations Retrieved 2013-07-14
  2. 'Nelson's Egypt-on-Thames': Caroline McGhie, The Daily Telegraph 26 July 2006