As well as the beauty of the riverside and its wildlife, there is much history to be discovered in walking the short space of just over a mile from the west downstream along the tow-path on the south side of the River Thames towards King Henry VIII’s Palace of Hampton Court. David Garrick (1717 – 1779) the famous English actor, playwright, theatre manager and producer, also a pupil and friend of Dr Samuel Johnson, built a mansion on the North bank of the Thames here. Next to it, in 1756, he built a ‘Temple to honour William Shakespeare’. Further along the river towards Hampton Court Palace are an ancient cricket ground and the famous Molesey Boat Club, who count the Olympic Gold medallist Searle brothers among their many distinguished rowers.
David Garrick’s ‘Temple to Shakespeare’
Garrick’s Temple and his mansion
Close-up view of the Temple from across the river
Old Edwardian houseboat – once a floating restaurant
‘Thyme By The River’ cafe
Waterfront outside the Molesey Rowing Club
East Molesey Cricket Ground
Pleasure craft moored approaching Molesey Lock and Hampton Court Bridge
Hampton Court bridge from the West
Front façade of Hampton Court Palace
One of the smaller Golden Gates at the Palace
Looking to the East from Hampton Court Bridge to the River entrance to the Palace
Roland's Ragbag 