Hampton Ferry (River Thames)

For the ferry near Evesham in Worcestershire, seeHampton Ferry (River Avon).For the ferry in Shropshire to the Severn Valley Railway, seeHampton Loade Ferry.

To the right a tiny part of the grass of Molesey/Moulsey Hurst also known as Hurst Park is shown. Hampton Ferry terminates, for the south bank, at the white gate on the right, the north bank gate can be seen in the background on the left, which otherwise shows the church, Garrick House and smaller Temple to Shakespeare.

Hampton Ferryis a seasonal foot (and cycle) ferry across theThamesinEngland.It is about 1 mile (1.6 km) upstream, west, ofHampton Court Bridge.The bridge links a busy zone of activity on both banks includingHampton Court Palace.The ferry links a large riverside park to the oldest parts of the town ofHampton, London,including its church, inn and variouslisted buildingssuch as Garrick House which is private apartments andGarrick's Temple to Shakespearebeside a narrow strip of sloped bank. This is known asSaint Albans Riverside,as it was owned by one of theDukes of Saint Albans,seated atHanworth House and Park,about two miles away. On the north side, this part of formerMiddlesexbecame outer-most London in 1965 by anAct of 1963.The towpath on the south side is for about 400 metres each way in public grassland with picnic places and beyond, for about 1 mile (1.6 km) shaded by trees, east and west.

Details

The ferry linksHampton,on the north bank and in theLondon Borough of Richmond,withMoulsey or Molesey Hurst,the largest park ofMoleseyon the south bank and inSurrey.

The ferry is in the Molesey, Hampton and Sunbury reach (betweenMoleseyandSunbury Locks). It is one of two of this reach's Thames crossings – both are ferries. These are the only crossings betweenHampton CourtandWalton Bridges.

The ferry operates between March and October inclusive; every day on demand. It can be boarded opposite Hampton's oldest church which is on the north bank, and by the Molesey Heritage Marker on the south bank.

The ferry has been operating since 1514, with the first crossings made from Hampton primarily for fishermen to fish in the then seasonally marshy and reed-laden Moulsey Hurst, which ate much further into the east/west parishes (and manors) of Molesey, but also for the hire of agricultural workers and presumably for walks and for bargemens' work/relief to the nearby inn as the grounds were public, as acommon.The towpath is on the south bank.Its incorporation by statute makes it one of the 10oldest British companiesand among the 150oldest companies in Europe.

See also

• Crossings of the River Thames
• List of oldest companies
• London River Services

External links

• Media related toHampton Ferryat Wikimedia Commons