Gibraltar Islands facts for kids
The Gibraltar Islands are two small islands located in the famous River Thames in England. You can find them near a village called Cookham Dean in Berkshire. They are just above the Bourne End Railway Bridge and the Cookham Lock.
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Discovering the Gibraltar Islands
The Gibraltar Islands are a pair of beautiful spots in the River Thames. They are known for their peaceful setting. One of the islands is connected to the mainland by a footbridge, and it's also very close to the other island.
A Bit of History
Long ago, there were actually more small islands here. These tiny islands were called "aits." People used to grow special willow trees called "osiers" on them. Osiers were used to make baskets and other woven items. Today, there are still some houses built on these islands, making them unique places to live.
A Literary Connection
Did you know that the area around the Gibraltar Islands might have inspired a famous children's book? Across the river, on the bank in Berkshire, is a place called Quarry Wood. Many people believe this wood was the inspiration for the "Wild Wood" in The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. This classic story features characters like Mole, Ratty, and Toad. The woods were also mentioned by another famous writer, Jerome K. Jerome, in his book Three Men in a Boat.
The Floating House
In 2014, something very special was built on one of the Gibraltar Islands: an "amphibious house"! This means the house can float. It was designed to rise with the water if the island ever floods. The basement of the house works like the bottom of a boat, sitting in a special tank. If the river water rises, the house simply floats up, staying safe and dry. This amazing building project was even shown on the TV show Grand Designs.
