Isleworth by kensorrie
Isleworth
Isleworth is a historic riverside town in the London Borough of Hounslow, located along the north bank of the River Thames in west London. Positioned between Brentford and Twickenham, Isleworth is known for its rich history, riverside charm, and a mix of period architecture and modern development.
The town’s name is believed to come from the Old English “Gislheresuuyrth,” meaning an enclosure belonging to a man named Gīslhere. It is recorded as “Gistelesworde” in the Domesday Book of 1086. Isleworth has been a riverside settlement for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence of Neolithic and Roman activity in the area.
One of the most historically significant events in Isleworth’s past is the founding of Syon Abbey by King Henry V in 1414. In later centuries, the area became known for horticulture, including orchards and market gardens that supplied produce to London.
Old Isleworth, the original settlement area near the Thames, retains a village feel with cobbled streets, Georgian buildings, and historic pubs. Church Street and Lower Square are especially noted for their charm and period houses. The London Apprentice pub, dating back to the early 1700s, overlooks the Thames and Isleworth Stairs, which have existed since Tudor times.
Nearby landmarks include Syon House, the London home of the Duke of Northumberland. This Grade I listed stately home is surrounded by parkland and gardens and is open to the public. Other notable sites include All Saints’ Church, which has ancient roots, and Isleworth Ait, a small island in the Thames managed as a nature reserve by the London Wildlife Trust.
Isleworth is a sought-after residential area thanks to its green spaces, good schools, and strong transport connections. Isleworth railway station provides services to London Waterloo, and nearby Piccadilly Line stations like Osterley and Hounslow East connect the area to the London Underground network.
With its blend of history, riverside scenery, and convenient location, Isleworth is a distinctive and desirable part of west London.
Created: 23 April 2025 Edited: 2 May 2025
Isleworth
Local History around Isleworth
There are some historic monuments around including:
Moated site at Down Barns FarmBrick reservoir 300yds (270m) SW of Gallows Conduit, CoombeNortholt Manor, moated siteHanwell flight of locks and brick boundary wall of St Bernard's HospitalMedieval moated site, 454m south-west of Sudbury Golf Club HouseKew Palace (remains of)18th century garden feature at Hanworth ParkThe Shene CharterhouseClattern BridgeWindmill BridgeLondon's Early Porcelain Industries: The Isleworth PotteryIron Age settlement on Horsenden Hill, GreenfordGallows Conduit, CoombeKempton Park Pumping StationMound at TQ1891972117, Richmond ParkOld Brew House, Bushy ParkIvy Conduit, CoombeKing Henry VIII's Mound, Richmond Park.
