It was a mature meander of the Thames until a channel was dug, the New Cut, to build Old Windsor Lock which reduced the navigable distance by two thirds.

The original houses on the island, now almost entirely rebuilt in a more luxurious style, were quite modest – many were holiday homes.

The island is also the site of a water treatment plant, well-screened from the homes, and the Blueacre Horse Rescue centre which had to be evacuated during the February 2014 flooding.

The island is referred to in Three Men in a Boat[1] as, passing up through the lock at this point for the first time they note they can spy Windsor Castle in the distance.

This trip is still facilitated with boat hire companies in riverside settlements such as Maidenhead, Windsor and Staines.