What secrets does a silent, uninhabited island hold? Corporation Island, nestled between Richmond Bridge and Richmond Railway Bridge, whispers tales of willows, herons, and even a legendary band. Corporation Island is a small, heavily wooded island on the River Thames. It’s a key part of that famous view from the Richmond waterfront. The island’s name comes from its former owners, the Corporation of Richmond. This Corporation later became the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Corporation Island was once known as Richmond Ait. Today, it’s uninhabited and blanketed in a thick layer of trees. In the 1960s, the Richmond Borough Council made a decision. They removed the existing London plane trees and planted willows. White willow, crack willow, weeping willow, and even hybrid black poplar now thrive there. The island’s shape may have shifted over time. This is possibly due to changes in the Thames’ tidal flows. These changes followed the construction of the New London Bridge in 1829 and later, the Richmond half-tide lock. Corporation Island isn’t just home to trees. It boasts a heronry, a bustling nesting colony of grey herons. In 2016, twelve active nests were recorded. Downstream, you’ll spot the Flowerpot Islands. These two tiny willow-covered islets were once a single island. They were divided in 1796 on the orders of the Duke of Queensbury. Tidal erosion has since shrunk them to their current size. Now, for a touch of rock and roll history. One of the last photographs of The Beatles together was taken on Corporation Island in 1969. Sadly, there’s no public access to the island today. Its secrets remain hidden beneath the rustling leaves and the watchful gaze of the herons. So, as you admire Corporation Island from afar, imagine the whispers of the willows and the echoes of a bygone era. This little island holds more than meets the eye, a quiet sanctuary in the heart of the bustling city.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to