Trowlock Island

Trowlock Island is a river island in the Thames near Teddington that stretches roughly 535 meters along the water. Twenty-nine residential bungalows sit on individual plots, with a manual chain ferry providing the only crossing to the north bank.

The location appeared as three separate islets on John Rocque's 1746 map before merging into a single landmass. This natural joining of the islands eventually led to the residential settlement that exists today.

The Royal Canoe Club operates its main base here with facilities for water sports enthusiasts. The residents form a tight-knit community shaped by their riverside setting away from the bustling city.

Access to the island is restricted to residents and invited guests since it is privately managed. The chain ferry serves as the sole crossing point and is operated by residents, so visitors should arrange entry in advance.

The name comes from 'trow', a type of flat-bottomed river barge that once operated in these waters and weighed between 50 and 60 tons. This vessel type shaped the early maritime activity along this stretch of river.