Hamhaugh Island

Hidden within the River Thames, Hamhaugh Island beckons. This isn’t just any island. Hamhaugh Island holds a unique distinction as the southernmost point of the Thames. Historically known as Stadbury, Hamhaugh Island whispers tales of a time long before its island status. Imagine it as a peninsula, jutting out from the Middlesex bank, embraced by a sweeping curve of the river. The transformation began with the construction of Shepperton Lock in 1812. The lock channel, carved by sheer manpower with picks and shovels, severed the peninsula, birthing Hamhaugh Island. Around 1895, another cut for the lower weir further sculpted the land, creating Lock Island and solidifying Hamhaugh’s island identity. Today, Hamhaugh Island remains a private sanctuary, a world away from the urban bustle. Access is exclusive, granted only by foot or carried bicycle over the lock gates and the weir walkway. Forty-six houses dot the landscape, nestled around a communal green, a testament to the island’s residential heart. A small patch of woodland offers a tranquil escape, a path winding through its embrace. Beyond the homes and greenery, Hamhaugh Island holds a history of resilience and community. In the 18th century, the City of London, guardians of the river, repaired breaches in the island’s banks. They also faced the task of dismantling illegal fish-weirs, echoes of a practice dating back to 1086 and mentioned again in the 14th century. The island’s transformation from camping haven to residential idyll began around 1900. The Dunton family, owners of Hamhaugh Island and the boatyard at Ferry Lane’s end (now occupied by Nauticalia), began leasing plots for camping. By the 1920s, these plots were being sold, making way for chalet-style homes. Life was simple then, without piped water, electricity, or mains drainage. The island’s character has evolved, but the sense of community remains strong, a bond forged by shared experience and a love for this unique riverside haven.