Bent almost imperceptibly by the river’s current, Thames Ditton Island stands as a testament to time. It is an island in the River Thames. It belongs to Middlesex. It is one of three islands nestled by the riverside. They mark the end of Thames Ditton’s historic main street in Surrey.
Thames Ditton Island is the largest of the three. It stretches 350 yards long. It boasts 47 homes each complete with gardens and moorings. Boyle Farm Island neighbors it. It belongs to Surrey. It has a single house. Swan Island sits between the two. It is the smallest.
Once, King Henry VIII journeyed this way. This was long before locks dotted the Thames. The river flowed freely. Kingston Bridge was the sole bridge between Putney and Chertsey. To reach Hampton Court from Surrey, carriages traveled north. They went down Thames Ditton High Street. They crossed the river at a ford during low tide. Ferrymen waited to charge a groat when the tide was high.
Monarchs often preferred rowing from Westminster to Hampton Court. The river was a twisting creek. It was especially narrow during low tide. To enhance royal arrivals and prevent village floods, the river was straightened. This separated Thames Ditton Island from Hampton Court’s grounds. Summer Road in Thames Ditton often flooded before locks controlled the water. Its muddy state made it impassable in winter.
A wooden bridge opened at Hampton Court in 1753. It collected tolls. A ferry at the Swan Inn continued services until 1911. It offered cheaper fares. The original bridge was replaced in 1778 with a stronger timber one. Steel and brick replaced this in 1865. Finally, the current concrete structure was erected in 1933. Thames locks began appearing in the late 18th century. Moulsey Lock was built in 1815. It is now called Molesey.
For centuries, Thames Ditton Island was part of the Manor of Imworth. It was known as Colly’s Eite in 1608. It was recorded as two acres of pasture. The slipway and wharf near the Swan Inn provided a vital dock. Goods and people moved up and down the river. Large sailing barges from London moored here. Crews rested at the inn.
Initially, Thames Ditton Island was a muddy patch. Day trippers from Kingston moored skiffs there. They enjoyed riverside picnics. The early 20th century saw a bungalow fad. Holiday chalets appeared on the island. Life was like indoor camping. Water and paraffin were ferried over. Only a few sheds had roofs over earth closets.
The waterside location drew more people. By 1930, wooden bungalows lined the perimeter. Owners moored boats at their gardens. The 1939 suspension bridge by David Rowell & Co. transformed the island. It allowed permanent residence by providing passage for utilities. Sewage could be transferred to town drains. Houses were initially leased from the Olde Swan’s publican. By 1963, all houses were freehold. A company formed to maintain the bridge and gardens.
Today, each householder belongs to the maintenance company. Its primary tasks are purchasing water and painting the bridge. Thames Ditton Island is now exclusively residential. It has tidy moorings. Nearly all dwellings stand on stilts. This reduces flood damage. The 2007 floods submerged the island. The island flooded again in 2014. The river reached its highest level since 2003.
So, as you gaze upon Thames Ditton Island, remember its journey. It was once a humble pasture. Now, it is a vibrant community. It stands resilient against the river’s flow.