Ray Mill Island facts for kids
Ray Mill Island is a lovely island in the River Thames in England. You can find it right next to Boulter's Lock near the town of Maidenhead, in Berkshire.
It sits just east of another island called Boulter's Island. A small stream, which used to power a mill, separates them. Today, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead looks after Ray Mill Island. It's a popular park for everyone to enjoy!
The island gets its name from the Ray family. They owned a flour mill here a long time ago. This mill was built in 1726. It replaced an even older mill. For many years, it ground flour until the 1920s.
Exploring Ray Mill Island
A large structure called Boulter's weir stretches from the top of the island. It goes all the way across to the east bank near Taplow. Weirs help control the river's water level. Right next to the weir on the island, there's a special channel. It's called a kayak flume. This is a fun place for kayakers to practice their skills!
Special Statues and Memorials
Ray Mill Island is also home to some beautiful statues and a special memorial. For many years, a statue called The Companion stood on the island. It was a memorial for four local schoolboys who sadly passed away in a skiing accident. The original statue was stolen in 2011. But a new version was unveiled in the same spot in July 2012. It continues to honor their memory.
Here are some of the other artworks you can find on the island:
- "Vintage Boys" by Lydia Karpinska.
- "The Companions" by Eunice Goodman.
- "Maiden with Swans" by Eunice Goodman.
- "Berkshire SANDS Memorial Tree" by Gavin Southgate. This tree is a special place for remembrance.
