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Thistelworth
Isleworth can be traced back to the Domesday book under the name of Ghistelworde. In the Elizabethan period it was referred to as Thistleworth, an unfortunate name for a community of market gardeners, supplying London with fresh food.
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Isleworth Riverside |
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Simmons, Ferryman at Isleworth |
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Paying the ferryman
This photograph from Hounslow Library shows that Mr Simmons, ferryman of Isleworth, was still able to carry on his profession in the early 1900's, even after the bridge building boom of the previous century.
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The London Apprentice
Isleworth is well known to the Watermen of the Thames. It is said that the City of London apprentices have rowed to this Inn since Tudor times, to celebrate the end of their apprenticeship and attainment of journeyman status.
Gordon S. Maxwell, in "The Auhors' Thames", published in 1924, refers to the darker side. "It has less innocent associations, for it was a famous resort of highwaymen, in the days of Hounslow Heath's glory."
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The London Apprentice Inn, Isleworth |
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Sion House |
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Syon House
In 1547, the body of the deceased Henry VIII lay overnight at Syon house on its way to Windsor. Legend has it that during the night, the coffin burst open, leaving the remains at the mercy of the dogs. This was believed to be vengeance for the dissolution of the monastery which had previously stood on this site. Syon house has now been in the Northumberland family for 400 years.
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Introduction
Isleworth
