| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Is Church Street really the reason for such huge delays? | |
| Posted by: | Joseph Gerald Bourke | |
| Date/Time: | 12/05/18 16:08:00 |
| Came across a couple of historical snippets over the past few weeks. Legend has it (as per the rhyme below) that there is a tunnel underneath Syon House that connects with the old friary of Sheen (also known as Richmond Priory). Today the site is occupied by housing and businesses. "The Nun of Sion, with the Friar of Shean, Went under water to play the Quean." Isambard Brunel must not have known about it when he was complteting his Three Bridges project near Hanwell along the route of the Great Western and Brentford Railway. A tunnel that could be converted for road traffic, from the A4 to the A316 or South Circular might have done wonders for relieving traffic congestion on the Twickenham Road. It seems there was at some time in the past consideration of a lock and footbridge at Isleworth Ait, but Richmond lock was chosen instead. At Richmond Lock you can wheel your bike to the south bank and continue along the towpath. You go past several riverbank views and can see across to Brentford's redeveloped marina area. On your right is the Old Deer Park and then Kew Gardens - across the water is Syon Park. Unlike the Brentford & Isleworth side, you don’t have to negotiate traffic or road crossings on a Cycle superhighway until you arrive at Kew Bridge. |