Islands in the River Thames
Encyclopedia
This article lists the islands in the River Thames
, in England. It excludes many of the smaller lock islands that were created when weirs and locks were built, and also some very small islands that immediately adjoin the larger ones. The Isle of Dogs
and Isle of Grain
are no longer islands although their names remain. Westminster used to be on an island called Thorney Island
. Some other so-called islands are also now just promontories, often marked by a small ditch.
Most of the islands are natural, but a few were created by rerouting of the navigation channel. Many Thames islands are called "ait
s" or "eyots". Aits are usually longer thinner islands that have built up through an accumulation of silt.
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The islands are listed in order upstream from the sea.
area the river splits into several streams across the floodplain
, which create numerous islands. On the right bank a large island is created by Seacourt Stream, Botley Stream and Bulstake Stream
, and there are smaller islands, including the island now known as Osney
, created by streams between Bulstake Stream and the Thames. The Oxford suburbs of Grandpont and New Hinksey
are on an island created by Bulstake Stream, Hinksey Stream
and Weirs Mill Stream. Iffley Meadows is an island west of Iffley Lock
, between Weirs Mill Stream, Hinksey Stream and the Thames.
On the left bank Fiddler's Island
and the island historically known as Osney
lie between Castle Mill Stream
and the Thames.
on the Thames involved one or more artificial lock islands separating the lock from the weir
s. These may have been created by building an artificial island in the river or by digging an artificial canal to contain the lock and turning the land between that and the river into an island. In many cases the lock island contains the lock keeper's house and can be accessed across the lock gates. Such lock islands are only listed above if they have a specific name of their own: all Thames locks are listed in Locks on the River Thames
.
River Thames
The River Thames flows through southern England. It is the longest river entirely in England and the second longest in the United Kingdom. While it is best known because its lower reaches flow through central London, the river flows alongside several other towns and cities, including Oxford,...
, in England. It excludes many of the smaller lock islands that were created when weirs and locks were built, and also some very small islands that immediately adjoin the larger ones. The Isle of Dogs
Isle of Dogs
The Isle of Dogs is a former island in the East End of London that is bounded on three sides by one of the largest meanders in the River Thames.-Etymology:...
and Isle of Grain
Isle of Grain
The Isle of Grain, in the north of Kent, England, is the easternmost point of the Hoo Peninsula. No longer an island, the Isle is almost all marshland and the Grain Marshes are an important habitat for birdlife...
are no longer islands although their names remain. Westminster used to be on an island called Thorney Island
Thorney Island (London)
Thorney Island was the eyot on the Thames, upstream of mediæval London, where Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster were built...
. Some other so-called islands are also now just promontories, often marked by a small ditch.
Most of the islands are natural, but a few were created by rerouting of the navigation channel. Many Thames islands are called "ait
Ait
An ait is a small island. It is especially used to refer to islands found on the River Thames and its tributaries in England....
s" or "eyots". Aits are usually longer thinner islands that have built up through an accumulation of silt.
List of islands
- Isle of SheppeyIsle of SheppeyThe Isle of Sheppey is an island off the northern coast of Kent, England in the Thames Estuary, some to the east of London. It has an area of . The island forms part of the local government district of Swale...
- Two Tree IslandTwo Tree IslandTwo Tree Island, , lies north-east of Canvey Island and south-west of Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, England. It is connected to the mainland at Leigh by a bridge....
- Canvey IslandCanvey IslandCanvey Island is a civil parish and reclaimed island in the Thames estuary in England. It is separated from the mainland of south Essex by a network of creeks...
- Lower Horse Island
- Frog IslandFrog Island, LondonFrog Island is an island on the River Thames at Rainham, London at .It is the location of the mechanical biological treatment works of the East London Waste Authority. The facility turns 50% of processed waste into refuse-derived fuel, and recovers metals and glass.Phoenix Wharf on the island has...
, RainhamRainham, LondonRainham is a suburban town in northeast London, England, and part of the London Borough of Havering. Located east of Charing Cross, it is one of the locally important district centres identified in the London Plan and is surrounded by a residential area, which has grown from the historic village,... - Chiswick EyotChiswick EyotChiswick Eyot is a small, narrow, uninhabited ait in the River Thames. It is on the Tideway near Chiswick, in the Borough of Hounslow, London, England, and has an area of ....
, ChiswickChiswickChiswick is a large suburb of west London, England and part of the London Borough of Hounslow. It is located on a meander of the River Thames, west of Charing Cross and is one of 35 major centres identified in the London Plan. It was historically an ancient parish in the county of Middlesex, with... - Oliver's IslandOliver's IslandOliver's Island is a small heavily wooded island in the River Thames in England. It is located in the London Borough of Hounslow on the Tideway near Kew, and is opposite Strand-on-the-Green in Chiswick....
, KewKewKew is a place in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames in South West London. Kew is best known for being the location of the Royal Botanic Gardens, now a World Heritage Site, which includes Kew Palace... - Brentford AitBrentford AitBrentford Ait is a long uninhabited ait in the River Thames. It is on the Tideway near Brentford, in the Borough of Hounslow, London, England....
, BrentfordBrentfordBrentford is a suburban town in west London, England, and part of the London Borough of Hounslow. It is located at the confluence of the River Thames and the River Brent, west-southwest of Charing Cross. Its former ceremonial county was Middlesex.-Toponymy:... - Lot's AitLot's AitLot's Ait is an ait in the River Thames. It is on the Tideway near Brentford, in the Borough of Hounslow, London, England, and its size is approximately ....
, Brentford - Isleworth AitIsleworth AitIsleworth Ait, is a teardrop shaped island in the River Thames in England. It is on the Tideway near Isleworth in the London Borough of Hounslow, and is one of the longest aits. It lies offshore from Heron's Place, and is opposite the "London Apprentice" public house.Isleworth Ait is covered by...
, IsleworthIsleworthIsleworth is a small town of Saxon origin sited within the London Borough of Hounslow in west London, England. It lies immediately east of the town of Hounslow and west of the River Thames and its tributary the River Crane. Isleworth's original area of settlement, alongside the Thames, is known as... - Corporation IslandCorporation IslandCorporation Island is an island in the River Thames in England. It is on the Tideway near Twickenham between Richmond Bridge and Richmond Railway Bridge and is opposite the river frontage at Richmond upon Thames, London, England....
, Richmond - Glover's IslandGlover's IslandOriginally called Petersham Ait, Glover's Island is situated in Horse Reach on the River Thames, between Richmond lock and Teddington Lock in the Borough of Richmond upon Thames, London, England....
, TwickenhamTwickenhamTwickenham is a large suburban town southwest of central London. It is the administrative headquarters of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and one of the locally important district centres identified in the London Plan... - Eel Pie IslandEel Pie IslandEel Pie Island is an island in the River Thames in England at Twickenham, in the Borough of Richmond upon Thames, London. It is situated on the Tideway and can be reached only by footbridge or boat...
, Twickenham - Swan IslandSwan Island, TwickenhamSwan Island is small island in the River Thames at Twickenham, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, London, England. It is situated on the Tideway about ¾ mile downstream of Teddington Lock....
, Twickenham - Trowlock IslandTrowlock IslandTrowlock Island lies in the River Thames, just upstream of Teddington Lock and close to the Middlesex bank, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, England.It is home to 29 bungalows as well as the Royal Canoe Club's clubhouse and gym...
, TeddingtonTeddingtonTeddington is a suburban area in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames in south west London, on the north bank of the River Thames, between Hampton Wick and Twickenham. It stretches inland from the River Thames to Bushy Park... - Steven's EyotSteven's EyotSteven's Eyot is an ait in the River Thames in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, London, England, on the reach above Teddington Lock. It is just below Kingston Railway Bridge and opposite Kingston Rowing Club....
, Kingston upon ThamesKingston upon ThamesKingston upon Thames is the principal settlement of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames in southwest London. It was the ancient market town where Saxon kings were crowned and is now a suburb situated south west of Charing Cross. It is one of the major metropolitan centres identified in the... - Raven's AitRaven's AitRaven's Ait is an ait in the Thames at Surbiton, in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, London, England, in the reach above Teddington Lock. It is situated upstream of Queen's Promenade where it departs from the river, and opposite Thames Sailing Club, home of the Thames A Class Raters...
, Kingston upon Thames/SurbitonSurbitonSurbiton, a suburban area of London in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, is situated next to the River Thames, with a mixture of Art-Deco courts, more recent residential blocks and grand, spacious 19th century townhouses blending into a sea of semi-detached 20th century housing estates... - Boyle Farm Island, Thames DittonThames DittonThames Ditton is a village in Surrey, England, bordering Greater London. It is situated 12.2 miles south-west of Charing Cross between the towns of Kingston upon Thames, Surbiton, Esher and East Molesey...
- Thames Ditton IslandThames Ditton IslandThere are three Islands in the River Thames near Thames Ditton, Surrey, on the reach above Teddington Lock. Thames Ditton Island, the largest of the three, is 350 yards long and has 47 houses and a population of around 100. The second largest, Boyle Farm Island, has a single house...
, Thames Ditton - Ash IslandAsh IslandAsh Island is an island in the River Thames in England, adjacent to Molesey Lock. Although the lock is at East Molesey, Surrey, the island is administratively within the London Borough of Richmond. The main weir is at the downstream end of the island connecting to the lock; the second weir is at...
, East MoleseyEast MoleseyMolesey is a town in the Borough of Elmbridge in Surrey, England. Situated on the outskirts of Greater London, approximately from Charing Cross, it is a typical suburban area. There are two distinct areas in the town: West and East Molesey... - Tagg's IslandTagg's IslandTagg's Island is an island in the River Thames in England on the reach above Molesey Lock and just above Ash Island. Although it is close to the Surrey bank near East Molesey, Surrey, it is connected to the further Middlesex bank by a long single track road bridge and is within the London Borough...
, Hampton Court - Garrick's AitGarrick's AitGarrick's Ait , previously known as Shank's Eyot, is an ait in the River Thames in England on the reach above Molesey Lock, near Moulsey Hurst on the Surrey bank and opposite Hampton. It is a short way upstream from Tagg's Island. There are about 20 houses on the island, but it is inaccessible...
, HamptonHampton, LondonHampton is a suburban area, centred on an old village on the north bank of the River Thames, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames in England. Formerly it was in the county of Middlesex, which was formerly also its postal county. The population is about 9,500... - Benn's IslandBenn's IslandBenn's Island, previously named Church Eyot, Kember’s Eyot and sometimes referred to as Benn's Ait, is a private and very small ait close to the Middlesex bank of the River Thames at Hampton, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames in England, on the reach above Molesey Lock...
, Hampton - Platts EyotPlatts EyotPlatts Eyot is an island on the River Thames at Hampton, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, England, on the reach between Molesey Lock and Sunbury Lock....
, Hampton - Grand Junction IsleGrand Junction IsleGrand Junction Isle is an island in the River Thames on the reach above Molesey Lock at Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, England. It is just downstream of Sunbury Court Island...
, SunburySunbury-on-ThamesSunbury-on-Thames, also known as Sunbury, is a town in the Surrey borough of Spelthorne, England, and part of the London commuter belt. It is located 16 miles southwest of central London and bordered by Feltham and Hampton, flanked on the south by the River Thames.-History:The earliest evidence of... - Sunbury Court IslandSunbury Court IslandSunbury Court Island is an island in the River Thames in England on the reach above Molesey Lock. It is near Sunbury-on-Thames in Surrey on the Middlesex bank of the river. The island is entirely residential with about 30 houses on it and is connected to the bank by an iron footbridge...
, Sunbury - Rivermead IslandRivermead IslandRivermead Island is an island in the River Thames on the reach above Molesey Lock at Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, England. It is unpopulated, being a large area of open space. It is connected to the bank by a footbridge, and vehicle access is possible via a ford of the narrow stream separating it...
, Sunbury - Sunbury Lock AitSunbury Lock AitSunbury Lock Ait is an ait in the River Thames in England adjacent to Sunbury Lock, near Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. It is unpopulated, but accessible by a footbridge over the lock cut from the southern bank as well as by a connection to the lock. There is a footbridge across the weir to Wheatley's...
, Walton on Thames - Wheatley's AitWheatley's AitWheatley's Ait or Wheatley Eyot is an ait in the River Thames on the reach above Sunbury Lock, on the northern side close to Sunbury on Thames, Surrey, England. The island is in two parts. The downstream part contains workings and moorings for the Environment Agency and is accessed by a road...
, Lower SunburyLower SunburyLower Sunbury is a part of the town of Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, England, which lies between the River Thames and the M3 Motorway. This part of the town has more of a village atmosphere and also property is generally more expensive than the rest of Sunbury-on-Thames...
(also known as Wheatleys Eyot) - Desborough IslandDesborough IslandDesborough Island is a large artificially-created island in the River Thames on the reach above Sunbury Lock in Surrey, England. The island was formed in 1930s by the digging of a channel - the Desborough Cut - by the Thames Conservancy...
, SheppertonSheppertonShepperton is a town in the borough of Spelthorne, Surrey, England. To the south it is bounded by the river Thames at Desborough Island and is bisected by the M3 motorway... - D'Oyly Carte IslandD'Oyly Carte IslandD'Oyly Carte Island is a small island in the River Thames, England, on the reach above Sunbury Lock and just below Shepperton Lock. It is located between Weybridge and Shepperton....
, WeybridgeWeybridgeWeybridge is a town in the Elmbridge district of Surrey in South East England. It is bounded to the north by the River Thames at the mouth of the River Wey, from which it gets its name... - Lock IslandLock IslandLock Island is an island in the River Thames in England connected to Shepperton Lock, near Shepperton. There is a stretch of open ground where refreshments are served, making the island a popular place to visit or stop and rest. The Thames River Police have a station on the Island...
, SheppertonSheppertonShepperton is a town in the borough of Spelthorne, Surrey, England. To the south it is bounded by the river Thames at Desborough Island and is bisected by the M3 motorway... - Hamhaugh IslandHamhaugh IslandHamhaugh Island is an island in the River Thames in England close to Shepperton Lock, near Shepperton, Surrey. The island is mainly residential with a total of 46 houses and a communal green. Access is on foot from Shepperton lock, across Lock Island and then across a weir. A second weir, without...
, Shepperton - Pharaoh's IslandPharaoh's Island, River ThamesPharaoh's Island is an island in the River Thames, in Surrey, England. The island is located above Shepperton Lock. It was given to Admiral Nelson following the Battle of the Nile who used it as a fishing retreat....
, Shepperton - Penton Hook IslandPenton Hook IslandPenton Hook Island is an island in the River Thames in England adjacent to Penton Hook Lock, near Laleham, Surrey. At this point the natural course of the river makes a large loop or "hook" round the island, although this is now closed off by the weir...
, LalehamLalehamLaleham is a village in the borough of Spelthorne, in the county of Surrey in South East England and adjoins Staines. It is within the historic boundaries of Middlesex. To its south is Laleham Park by the River Thames, across green belt farmland to its north and south east are Ashford and... - Church IslandChurch Island, River ThamesChurch Island is an island in the River Thames in England on the reach above Penton Hook Lock, near Staines Bridge in Staines, Spelthorne, Surrey. It connects by a footbridge to Church Street, Staines, near a recreation ground....
, StainesStainesStaines is a Thames-side town in the Spelthorne borough of Surrey and Greater London Urban Area, as well as the London Commuter Belt of South East England. It is a suburban development within the western bounds of the M25 motorway and located 17 miles west south-west of Charing Cross in... - Hollyhock IslandHollyhock IslandHollyhock Island is an island in the River Thames in England on the reach above Penton Hook Lock, near Staines, Surrey. The island is on the Buckinghamshire bank upstream of Staines Bridge and just downstream of the M25 Runnymede Bridge, and is paired with Holm Island.-References:...
, Staines - Holm IslandHolm IslandHolm Island is an island in the River Thames in England on the reach above Penton Hook Lock, near Staines. It is on the Buckinghamshire bank, just upstream of Hollyhock Island....
, Staines - The IslandThe Island, Hythe EndThe Island, Hythe End is an island in the River Thames in England on the reach above Bell Weir Lock, near Hythe End and Wraysbury, Berkshire. It is connected to the Berkshire side of the river and has a number of riverside houses on it.The Island lies alongside the course of Egham Regatta.-See...
, Hythe EndHythe EndHythe End is a place in Berkshire between Wraysbury and Staines, England on the northern bank of the River Thames close to Bell Weir Lock.Hythe End consists of several riverside homes, mainly on The Island, Hythe End. There are gravel pits to the north which make up a Site of Special Scientific... - Magna Carta IslandMagna Carta IslandMagna Carta Island is an island in the River Thames in England, on the reach above Bell Weir Lock. It is in Berkshire across the river from the water-meadows at Runnymede. The island was transferred from Buckinghamshire to Berkshire in 1974....
, RunnymedeRunnymedeRunnymede is a water-meadow alongside the River Thames in the English county of Berkshire, and just over west of central London. It is notable for its association with the sealing of Magna Carta, and as a consequence is the site of a collection of memorials... - Pats Croft EyotPats Croft EyotPats Croft Eyot is a small island in the River Thames in England on the reach above Bell Weir Lock, near Wraysbury, Berkshire and Runnymede, Surrey. The island is privately owned and is inhabited.-See also:*Islands in the River Thames...
, Runnymede - Friary IslandFriary IslandFriary Island is an island in the River Thames in England on the reach above Bell Weir Lock, on the approach to Old Windsor Lock at Wraysbury, Berkshire. It is just across the river from Old Windsor, where there was a Friary from which it took its name....
, WraysburyWraysburyWraysbury, traditionally spelt Wyrardisbury, is a village and civil parish in Berkshire, England. It is located in the very east of the county, in the part that was in Buckinghamshire until 1974... - Friday IslandFriday Island, River ThamesFriday Island is an island in the River Thames in England at Old Windsor, Berkshire. It is on the reach above Bell Weir Lock, just short of Old Windsor Lock....
, Old WindsorOld WindsorOld Windsor is a large village and civil parish in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in the English county of Berkshire.-Location:... - Ham IslandHam IslandHam Island, is an island in the River Thames in England. It was created when the course of the river was diverted, via a cut, to avoid a weir and provide a navigable route through to Old Windsor Lock....
, Old Windsor - Lion IslandLion Island (Old Windsor)Lion Island is a small uninhabited island in the River Thames in England on the reach above Old Windsor Lock, near Old Windsor, Berkshire. The island is a thin wooded strip separated by a narrow channel on the north bank...
, Old Windsor - Sumptermead AitSumptermead AitSumptermead Ait is an island in the River Thames in England on the reach above Old Windsor Lock, near Datchet Berkshire. The island is a thin wooded strip separated by a narrow channel on the Datchet side...
, DatchetDatchetDatchet is an English Thameside village and civil parish situated in the unitary authority of Windsor and Maidenhead in the county of Berkshire. It was transferred to Berkshire from Buckinghamshire in 1974.... - Romney IslandRomney IslandRomney Island is an island in the River Thames in England connected to Romney Lock, at Windsor, Berkshire. It is a long thin island with trees and scrub, with the upstream end in Windsor and the downstream end almost at Black Potts....
, WindsorWindsor, BerkshireWindsor is an affluent suburban town and unparished area in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire, England. It is widely known as the site of Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British Royal Family.... - Black Potts AitBlack Potts AitBlack Potts Ait is an island in the River Thames in England near Windsor, Berkshire. It is on the reach between Old Windsor Lock and Romney Lock and carries Black Potts Railway Bridge...
, Windsor - Cutlers AitCutlers AitCutlers Ait is an island in the River Thames in England adjacent to Romney Island and Romney Lock, near Windsor, Berkshire.The island is a tree-covered strip adjacent to the opposite bank of the river from the Lock, near Eton. Romney weir sits between the two islands.-See also:*Islands in the River...
, Windsor - Firework AitFirework AitFirework Ait is an island in the River Thames in England on the reach above Romney Lock, near Windsor, Berkshire.The island is small and tree-covered and is closer to the Windsor bank, just above Windsor Bridge....
, Windsor - Deadwater AitDeadwater AitDeadwater Ait is an island in the River Thames in England on the reach above Romney Lock, near Windsor, Berkshire.The island is an uninhabited tree-covered strip adjacent to the Windsor bank of the river between Windsor Bridge and Windsor Railway Bridge....
, Windsor - Baths IslandBaths IslandBaths Island is an island in the River Thames in England on the reach above Romney Lock, between Eton Wick and Windsor, Berkshire.The island is unpopulated and contains public open space. It carries the central part of Windsor Railway Bridge across the river.-See also:*Islands in the River Thames...
, Eton WickEton WickEton Wick is a village in the English county of Berkshire on the western outskirts of London, immediately north of the River Thames. It is located very close to both the historic towns of Windsor and Eton, as well as Slough and Dorney Lake, the planned rowing venue for the 2012 Olympics... - Bush AitBush AitBush Ait is an island in the River Thames on the reach above Boveney Lock at the mouth of the Clewer Mill Stream which leads to Windsor Racecourse Marina. The island is unpopulated and wooded.-See also:*Islands in the River Thames*Ait...
, WindsorWindsor, BerkshireWindsor is an affluent suburban town and unparished area in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire, England. It is widely known as the site of Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British Royal Family.... - Queen's EyotQueen's EyotQueen's Eyot is an island in the River Thames in England on the reach above Boveney Lock, just upstream of Oakley Court near Windsor, Berkshire.The island is owned by Eton College and contains a club house that is available for hire for functions....
, DorneyDorneyDorney is a village and civil parish within South Bucks district in the English county of Buckinghamshire, near Slough and about two and a half miles west of Eton.The village name is Old English and means "island frequented by bumble bees"... - Monkey IslandMonkey Island, BrayMonkey Island is a small island in the River Thames in England, on the reach above Boveney Lock near the village of Bray, Berkshire. It is now occupied by a hotel, but sports an interesting history involving grotesquely painted monkeys and the Duke of Marlborough.- Origins :Although painted monkeys...
, BrayBray, BerkshireBray, sometimes known as Bray on Thames, is a village and civil parish in the English county of Berkshire. It stands on the banks of the River Thames, just south-east of Maidenhead. It is famous as the village mentioned in the song The Vicar of Bray... - Pigeonhill EyotPigeonhill EyotPigeonhill Eyot is an island in the River Thames in England just above Bray Lock, near Bray, Berkshire. It sits between the lock and Headpile Eyot and lock weirs run from the island to the Bray bank....
, Bray - Headpile EyotHeadpile EyotHeadpile Eyot is long narrow island in the River Thames in England just above Bray Lock, near Bray, Berkshire.The island is small and tree-covered and is the location of Bronze Age finds.-See also:*Islands in the River Thames...
, Bray - Guards Club IslandGuards Club IslandGuards Club Island, also known as Bucks Ait, is an island in the River Thames at Maidenhead Railway Bridge, Berkshire. The island is connected to Guards Club Park by a low cast-iron and wood footbridge which blocks the channel from navigation...
, MaidenheadMaidenheadMaidenhead is a town and unparished area within the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, in Berkshire, England. It lies on the River Thames and is situated west of Charing Cross in London.-History:...
(also known as Bucks Ait) - Bridge EyotBridge EyotBridge Eyot also known as Bridge Ait is an island in the River Thames in England just above Maidenhead Bridge on the reach above Bray Lock, near Maidenhead, Berkshire....
, Maidenhead - Grass EyotGrass EyotGrass Eyot is an island in the River Thames in England above Maidenhead Bridge on the reach above Bray Lock, near Maidenhead, Berkshire.Out of accordance with its name, the island is tree-covered and there is a very small island between it and Bridge Eyot just downstream.-See also:*Islands in the...
, Maidenhead - Ray Mill IslandRay Mill IslandRay Mill Island is an island in the River Thames in England at Boulter's Lock near Maidenhead, Berkshire.The island is now a park administered by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. It is named after the Ray family who once had a flour mill here...
, Maidenhead - Boulter's IslandBoulter's IslandBoulter's Island is an island in the River Thames at Boulter's Lock, near Maidenhead, Berkshire.Boulter's Island is accessible by motor vehicle across Boulter's Bridge across the tail of Boulter's Lock. The island has a number of private houses, a restaurant and a small boatyard with a slipway...
, Maidenhead - Glen IslandGlen Island (Thames)Glen Island is a large area of land between the head of the Jubilee River and the River Thames at Boulter's Lock near Maidenhead.The Grade II listed Glen Island House, a riverside Gentleman's residence , was built in 1869 for Lt. Gen. Sir Roger William Henry Palmer, Bart...
, Maidenhead - Bavin's GullsBavin's GullsBavin's Gulls or Sloe Grove Islands are a group of islands in the River Thames in England on the reach known as Cliveden Deep above Boulter's Lock, near Maidenhead, Berkshire. This reach of the Thames was described by Jerome K...
, Maidenhead (also known as Sloe Grove Islands) - Formosa IslandFormosa IslandFormosa Island is an island in the River Thames in England at Cookham Lock near Cookham, Berkshire, with two smaller adjacent islands.The island is one of the largest on the non-tidal river Thames with of woodland. It can be reached by footbridge from Cookham...
, CookhamCookhamCookham is a village and civil parish in the north-easternmost corner of Berkshire in England, on the River Thames, notable as the home of the artist Stanley Spencer. It lies north of Maidenhead close to the border with Buckinghamshire... - Gibraltar IslandsGibraltar IslandsGibraltar Islands are a pair of islands in the River Thames in England above Bourne End Railway Bridge on the reach above Cookham Lock, near Cookham Dean, Berkshire....
, MarlowMarlow, BuckinghamshireMarlow is a town and civil parish within Wycombe district in south Buckinghamshire, England... - Temple Mill IslandTemple Mill IslandTemple Mill Island is an island in the River Thames in England upstream of Marlow, and just downstream of Temple Lock. It is on the southern Berkshire bank close to Hurley....
, HurleyHurley, BerkshireHurley is a village and civil parish in the English county of Berkshire.Hurley is famous for its proximity to the River Thames. It is also within easy reach of Henley-on-Thames, Oxford and London. The parish includes the villages and hamlets of Cockpole Green, Warren Row, Knowl Hill, Burchett's... - Frog Mill AitFrog Mill AitFrog Mill Ait is an island in the River Thames in England between the villages of Medmenham, Buckinghamshire and Hurley, Berkshire. It is situated on the reach above Hurley Lock.The island is named after a mill on the bank here...
, Hurley - Black Boy IslandBlack Boy IslandBlack Boy Island is an island in the River Thames in England between the villages of Medmenham, Buckinghamshire and Hurley, Berkshire. It is situated on the reach above Hurley Lock....
, Hurley - Magpie IslandMagpie IslandMagpie Island is an island in the River Thames in England near the villages of Aston, Berkshire and Medmenham, Buckinghamshire. It is situated on the reach above Hurley Lock....
, MedmenhamMedmenhamMedmenham is a village and civil parish in the Wycombe district of Buckinghamshire, England. It is on the River Thames, about three and a half miles southwest of Marlow and three miles east of Henley-on-Thames.... - Temple IslandTemple IslandTemple Island is an island in the River Thames in England just north of Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. The island is on the reach above Hambleden Lock between the Buckinghamshire and Berkshire banks, and is part of Remenham in Berkshire...
, Henley-on-ThamesHenley-on-ThamesHenley-on-Thames is a town and civil parish on the River Thames in South Oxfordshire, England, about 10 miles downstream and north-east from Reading, 10 miles upstream and west from Maidenhead... - Rod EyotRod EyotRod Eyot or Rod Ait is an island in the River Thames in England near Henley-on-Thames on the reach above Hambledon Lock. It is close to Mill Meadows and the River and Rowing Museum....
, Henley-on-Thames - Ferry EyotFerry EyotFerry Eyot or Ferry Ait is an island in the River Thames in England near the villages of Shiplake, Oxfordshire and Wargrave, Berkshire. It is on the reach above Marsh Lock....
, WargraveWargraveWargrave is a large village and civil parish in the English county of Berkshire, which encloses the confluence of the River Loddon and the River Thames. It is in the Borough of Wokingham... - Poplar EyotPoplar EyotPoplar Eyot or Poplar Ait is an island in the River Thames in England near the villages of Shiplake, Oxfordshire and Wargrave, Berkshire. It is on the reach above Marsh Lock....
, Wargrave - Handbuck EyotHandbuck EyotHandbuck Eyot or Handbuck Ait is an island in the River Thames in England near the villages of Shiplake, Oxfordshire and Wargrave, Berkshire. It is on the reach above Marsh Lock....
, Wargrave - Unnamed EyotUnnamed EyotThe Unnamed Eyot is an island in the River Thames in Berkshire, England, near the villages of Shiplake, Oxfordshire and Wargrave, Berkshire. It is on the reach above Marsh Lock....
, Wargrave - Phillimore IslandPhillimore IslandPhillimore Island is an elongated island in the River Thames in Oxfordshire, England near the villages of Shiplake, Oxfordshire and Wargrave, Berkshire...
, ShiplakeShiplakeShiplake is a village and civil parish about south of Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, England on the River Thames.-History:The Church of England parish church of St. Peter and St. Paul dates from at least the 13th century, but in 1869 the Gothic Revival architect G.E. Street rebuilt the chancel,... - The LynchThe LynchThe Lynch is an island in the River Thames in Berkshire, England. It is on the reach above Shiplake Lock near Lower Shiplake.The island is large and triangular shaped, forming a pair with the similar Hallsmead Ait. It is uninhabited and tree covered and provides mooring on both sides in the back...
, Lower Shiplake - Hallsmead AitHallsmead AitHallsmead Ait is an island in the River Thames in Berkshire, England. It is on the reach above Shiplake Lock near Lower Shiplake.The island is large and triangular shaped, forming a pair with The Lynch, a similar shaped island. It is uninhabited and covered with a wide variety of trees...
, Lower Shiplake - Buck AitBuck AitBuck Ait is an island in the River Thames in Oxfordshire, England. It is on the reach above Shiplake Lock near Sonning.The island is uninhabited and tree covered but sits opposite houses with extensive river frontages...
, SonningSonningSonning, occasionally called Sonning-on-Thames is a village and civil parish in the Borough of Wokingham in the English county of Berkshire, a few miles east of Reading. The village is situated on the River Thames and was described by Jerome K... - Sonning EyeSonning EyeSonning Eye is a hamlet on the River Thames in Oxfordshire, England, in the civil parish of Eye & Dunsden, at the very southernmost tip of Oxfordshire.- Overview :...
, Sonning - Sonning Hill island, Sonning
- Heron Island, ReadingReading, BerkshireReading is a large town and unitary authority area in England. It is located in the Thames Valley at the confluence of the River Thames and River Kennet, and on both the Great Western Main Line railway and the M4 motorway, some west of London....
- View IslandView IslandView Island is a small island near Caversham Lock, on the River Thames at Reading, Berkshire in England.The island was a derelict boatyard when Reading Borough Council took it over in 1998 and restored it. It is a quiet, relaxing island with grassy paths and seating...
, Reading - De Bohun Island, Reading
- Fry's IslandFry's IslandFry's Island, also known as De Montfort Island, is an island in the River Thames in England. The island is on the reach above Caversham Lock at Reading, Berkshire. The centre of Reading is to the south and the suburb of Caversham to the immediate north.Fry's Island is a natural island, the only...
, Reading (also known as De Montfort Island) - Pipers IslandPipers IslandPipers Island is a small island in the English River Thames, on the reach above Caversham Lock. It is located close to the centre of the town of Reading and immediately adjacent to Caversham Bridge, a road bridge that links that town to its suburb of Caversham.Pipers Island is entirely occupied by...
, Reading - St Mary's IslandSt Mary's Island, River ThamesSt Mary's Island is an island in the River Thames in England.The island is on the reach above Caversham Lock on the western outskirts of the town of Reading, Berkshire. It is close in to the northern bank in an area called The Fishery and is unpopulated.- External links :* including a from the BBC...
, Reading - Appletree EyotAppletree EyotAppletree Eyot is an island in the River Thames at Reading, Berkshire, in England.The island is on the reach above Caversham Lock about 3km from Tilehurst, a suburb of Reading. Poplar Island is very close to it. The two islands are in the middle of the river, so that navigation goes to each side of...
, TilehurstTilehurstTilehurst is a suburb of the town of Reading in the English county of Berkshire. It is also, with different boundaries as described below, a civil parish in West Berkshire district.-History:... - Poplar IslandPoplar Island, River ThamesPoplar Island is an island in the River Thames at Reading, Berkshire, England.The island is on the reach above Caversham Lock near Tilehurst and Appletree Eyot is very close to it. The two islands are in the middle of the river, so that navigation goes to each side of them according to the rules of...
, Tilehurst - Nag's Head IslandNag's Head IslandNag's Head Island is an island in the River Thames in England at Abingdon. It sits in the middle of the two Abingdon Bridges on the reach above Culham Lock....
, AbingdonAbingdon, OxfordshireAbingdon or archaically Abingdon-on-Thames is a market town and civil parish in Oxfordshire, England. It is the seat of the Vale of White Horse district. Previously the county town of Berkshire, Abingdon is one of several places that claim to be Britain's oldest continuously occupied town, with... - Andersey IslandAndersey IslandAndersey Island is a large island in the River Thames in England near Abingdon, Oxfordshire on the reach above Culham Lock.The island is created by a division in the stream of the river between the main navigation channel and the Swift Ditch backwater. The Swift Ditch used to be the main course of...
, Abingdon - Lock Wood IslandLock Wood IslandLock Wood Island is an island in the River Thames in England just downstream of Nuneham House on the reach above Abingdon Lock.The island sits on a sharp bend in the river. It is densely covered with tall trees and has a narrow channel behind it...
, Nuneham CourtenayNuneham CourtenayNuneham Courtenay is a village and civil parish about southeast of Oxford.-Manor:The toponym evolved from Newenham. In the 14th century the village belonged to the Courtenay family and in 1764 "Newenham" was changed to "Nuneham".... - Fiddler's ElbowFiddler's ElbowFiddler's Elbow is the largest of a set of islands in the River Thames in England alongside and upstream of Sandford Lock, near Kennington, Oxfordshire....
, Sandford-on-ThamesSandford-on-ThamesSandford-on-Thames is a village and Parish Council beside the River Thames in Oxfordshire just south of Oxford. The village is just west of the A4074 road between Oxford and Henley.-Early history:... - Rose IsleRose IsleRose Isle is an island in the River Thames in England just downstream of Kennington Railway Bridge on the reach above Sandford Lock, near Kennington, Oxfordshire....
, KenningtonKennington, OxfordshireKennington is a village and civil parish in the Vale of White Horse district of Oxfordshire, just south of Oxford. The village occupies a narrow stretch of land between the River Thames and the A34 dual carriageway... - Osney IslandOsneyOsney, Osney Island, or Osney Town is a riverside community in the west of the city of Oxford, England. It is located off the Botley Road, just west of the city's main railway station, on an island surrounded by the River Thames, known in Oxford as the Isis. Osney is part of the city council ward...
, OxfordOxfordThe city of Oxford is the county town of Oxfordshire, England. The city, made prominent by its medieval university, has a population of just under 165,000, with 153,900 living within the district boundary. It lies about 50 miles north-west of London. The rivers Cherwell and Thames run through... - Fiddler's IslandFiddler's IslandFiddler's Island is an island in the River Thames at Oxford in England. It is situated south of Port Meadow on the reach above Osney Lock.The thin island sits between the Thames and Castle Mill Stream. On the south of the island a short stream known as the Sheepwash Channel divides the island from...
, Oxford
Oxford floodplain
In the OxfordOxford
The city of Oxford is the county town of Oxfordshire, England. The city, made prominent by its medieval university, has a population of just under 165,000, with 153,900 living within the district boundary. It lies about 50 miles north-west of London. The rivers Cherwell and Thames run through...
area the river splits into several streams across the floodplain
Floodplain
A floodplain, or flood plain, is a flat or nearly flat land adjacent a stream or river that stretches from the banks of its channel to the base of the enclosing valley walls and experiences flooding during periods of high discharge...
, which create numerous islands. On the right bank a large island is created by Seacourt Stream, Botley Stream and Bulstake Stream
Bulstake Stream
Bulstake Stream, also spelt Bullstake Stream, is a backwater of the River Thames at Oxford, England. It leaves the main stream of the Thames at a river junction known as Four Rivers, at the south west corner of Fiddler's Island. It immediately flows past Tumbling Bay, the site of a bathing place...
, and there are smaller islands, including the island now known as Osney
Osney
Osney, Osney Island, or Osney Town is a riverside community in the west of the city of Oxford, England. It is located off the Botley Road, just west of the city's main railway station, on an island surrounded by the River Thames, known in Oxford as the Isis. Osney is part of the city council ward...
, created by streams between Bulstake Stream and the Thames. The Oxford suburbs of Grandpont and New Hinksey
New Hinksey
New Hinksey is a suburb in the south of the city of Oxford.-Geography:The suburb is west of the Abingdon Road . To the north is Grandpont and to the east, over Donnington Bridge, which crosses the River Thames, is Cowley...
are on an island created by Bulstake Stream, Hinksey Stream
Hinksey Stream
Hinksey Stream is a branch of the River Thames to the west of the city of Oxford, England. It starts as Seacourt Stream , which leaves the Thames at a bifurcation north of the village of Wytham, and rejoins the river south of the city near Kennington.-Seacourt Stream:From the bifurcation Seacourt...
and Weirs Mill Stream. Iffley Meadows is an island west of Iffley Lock
Iffley Lock
Iffley Lock is a lock on the River Thames in England near the village of Iffley, Oxfordshire. It is on the southern outskirts of Oxford. The original lock was built by the Oxford-Burcot Commission in 1631 and the Thames Navigation Commission replaced this in 1793...
, between Weirs Mill Stream, Hinksey Stream and the Thames.
On the left bank Fiddler's Island
Fiddler's Island
Fiddler's Island is an island in the River Thames at Oxford in England. It is situated south of Port Meadow on the reach above Osney Lock.The thin island sits between the Thames and Castle Mill Stream. On the south of the island a short stream known as the Sheepwash Channel divides the island from...
and the island historically known as Osney
Osney
Osney, Osney Island, or Osney Town is a riverside community in the west of the city of Oxford, England. It is located off the Botley Road, just west of the city's main railway station, on an island surrounded by the River Thames, known in Oxford as the Isis. Osney is part of the city council ward...
lie between Castle Mill Stream
Castle Mill Stream
Castle Mill Stream is a backwater of the River Thames in the west of Oxford, England. It is 5.5 km long.-Course:The stream leaves the main course of the Thames at the south end of Port Meadow, immediately upstream of Medley Footbridge. It then flows under the Cherwell Valley railway line and turns...
and the Thames.
Lock islands
The construction of almost all locksLock (water transport)
A lock is a device for raising and lowering boats between stretches of water of different levels on river and canal waterways. The distinguishing feature of a lock is a fixed chamber in which the water level can be varied; whereas in a caisson lock, a boat lift, or on a canal inclined plane, it is...
on the Thames involved one or more artificial lock islands separating the lock from the weir
Weir
A weir is a small overflow dam used to alter the flow characteristics of a river or stream. In most cases weirs take the form of a barrier across the river that causes water to pool behind the structure , but allows water to flow over the top...
s. These may have been created by building an artificial island in the river or by digging an artificial canal to contain the lock and turning the land between that and the river into an island. In many cases the lock island contains the lock keeper's house and can be accessed across the lock gates. Such lock islands are only listed above if they have a specific name of their own: all Thames locks are listed in Locks on the River Thames
Locks on the River Thames
The English River Thames is navigable from Cricklade or Lechlade to the sea, and this part of the river falls 71 metres . There are 45 locks on the river, each with one or more adjacent weirs...
.