Swan Island, London facts for kids
Swan Island is a small, private island located in the River Thames. You can find it in Twickenham, which is part of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames in London, England. It sits on a part of the river called the Tideway, which means the water level here is affected by the ocean's tides. The island is about three-quarters of a mile north of Teddington Lock.
What is Swan Island Used For?
Swan Island is mainly used for boats. It has a commercial boatyard, which is a place where boats can be built, repaired, or stored. Many people also use the island for residential mooring. This means they live on their boats, which are tied up safely at the island.
The island is connected to the land in Twickenham by a small bridge. This bridge is strong enough for vehicles like cars, but people can also walk across it.
The History of Swan Island
Swan Island has changed quite a bit over time. Long ago, it was not used for boats at all! Originally, it was an "osier bed." An osier bed is a special type of field where willow trees are grown. These willow branches were used to make things like baskets and furniture.
According to old maps from 1897 and 1898, Swan Island was about a quarter of an acre in size. That's roughly the size of a small football field.
Nearby Islands and Parks
There used to be a larger island located to the north-west of Swan Island. This bigger island is no longer an island today. Instead, it has been developed into a popular public space called Radnor Gardens.
Radnor Gardens is a lovely park in the Strawberry Hill/Vale area. It features a playground for kids, a bowling green for playing bowls, and a café where visitors can get snacks and drinks. It's a great example of how land can change and be used differently over many years.
