Penton Hook Island
| Penton Hook Island | ||
|---|---|---|
| Waters | Thames | |
| Geographical location | 51 ° 24 ′ N , 0 ° 30 ′ W | |
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| Residents | uninhabited | |
Penton Hook Island is a predominantly forested former peninsula that has been divided into three islands since 1815, in the River Thames , England . The island is upriver from the Chertsey Lock and is connected to weirs and the Penton Hook Lock .
geography
The island is in the southernmost part of the parish of Staines-upon-Thames . Since the island is very low and is regularly flooded in winter, it was not interesting for settlement. As part of the Metropolitan Green Belt, it is now subject to special regulations for construction projects.
The uninhabited island is publicly owned and heavily forested. It is a recreation and nature reserve. A shallow water zone was created in the west of the island, which serves as a refuge for fish when the water level is high and the current is strong. In 1999 a spawning area was also created.
The river's water level can be controlled through a number of weirs.
history
The island was created when Penton Hook Lock was built in 1815. This area of the river was regulated by weirs long before that in order to improve fishing and shipping.
The monks of Chertsey Abbey knew how to use the bow of the river to create the Abbey River , their mill canal, which branches off from the Thames opposite the southern end of the island. This created meadows, which also aroused the interest of Westminster Abbey , which built a settlement in the immediate vicinity. The pastureland, however, was awarded to Chertsey in 1278.
See also
Individual evidence
- ^ A b Staines: Introduction In: A History of the County of Middlesex. Volume 3, pp. 13-18.
- ^ Penton Hook - River Level on Weir-Side Measure over 48 Hours Environment Agency.
- ^ Spelthorne Hundred: Laleham In: A History of the County of Middlesex. Volume 3, pp. 396-401.