Where the River Brent flows into the Thames west of London lies the suburb of Brentford. Its name is a clue to the origins of what was once a small settlement pre-dating the Roman occupation of the country. Today, like many London suburbs, it has interesting pockets of history squeezed between more recent and not always attractive developments. In recent years it has seen more development with smart apartment blocks springing up by the Thames and along the banks of the Brent in what has become known as Brentford Dock.
Although a relatively small suburb it has a successful football club (currently playing in the Premier League), and several historical links, one of which at least is apocryphal. It is claimed that Julius Cæsar crossed the Thames here during his invasion of Britain in 54 BC and fought a battle nearby. The only evidence for this was Caesar’s reference to a fortification with sharp spikes, some of which were found at the river side in the early twentieth century. No excavations have been undertaken that might support the claim.
However, other ‘claims to fame’ are substantiated. The Battle of Brentford was fought here during the English Civil War, with Prince Rupert leading a Royalist detachment to victory. An earlier battle here saw Cnut, invading the country from Denmark, defeated by Edmund Ironsides, although this setback didn’t prevent Cnut from eventually winning the kingdom.
Syon House, the Greater London residence of the Duke of Northumberland, lies mostly within Brentford’s boundaries and is a beautiful example of the work of Robert Adam. Its park and garden are favourite places for locals to walk.
Exploring Brentford
And talking of walks … For this week’s Lens Artist challenge Tina has asked us to share our neighbourhood. I’ve shared so many images of my own home suburb of Ealing over the years that I thought for a change I would show you our neighbour to the south. Although we visit less often, it was a favourite area for walking during Covid lockdowns as we could reach the Thames here. And we continue to visit Syon Park frequently as it has the best garden centre in the area. So here are some images of Brentford, many taken during those Covid walks.
Click on any image in each gallery to open a slideshow with captions
The Thames in Brentford
History and development
Syon House and garden
17 Comments
Rose
Such lovely images of the Brentford neighborhood. I can see why you visit Syon Gardens; the Conservatory is beautiful. When I read the sign on the pub about William Turner the artist, I wondered if the character, Will Turner, in “Pirates of the Caribbean” was named after him? His painting “The Fighting Temeraire” would certainly lend itself to the theme of the sea (and pirates).
Egídio
Such a beautiful location, Sarah. The Syon house and garden photos are my favorite. That place looks like a wonderful place to spend a lazy afternoon.
thehungrytravellers.blog
And isn’t another claim to fame that Brentford is the furthest reach of the tides from the estuary? Or am I remembering wrongly? Here’s a very little known fact about Brentford. At one point in my life I had a rather pompous, ineffective boss who had a habit of upsetting clients and putting off potential ones. One time, he insisted on accompanying me to a meeting in Brentford where I had high hopes of winning a lucrative deal. I was convinced he’d scupper my chances, so when I gave his secretary details of where to meet me before the meeting, I “accidentally” said Brentwood instead of Brentford. And then I am thoroughly ashamed to say, I blamed the secretary for the error. Sometimes the end justifies the means…..
Sarah Wilkie
So I’m assuming you got the deal?! But no, the Thames is tidal as far as Teddington Lock, quite a bit further upstream.
thehungrytravellers.blog
I stand corrected. And yes I did 😀👍
Anne Sandler
Thank you for the photo tour and history Sarah!
Sarah Wilkie
Good to have you along Anne 🙂
Tanja
Looks nice.
Toonsarah
Thanks Tanja, it has its good spots!
margaret21
Well. It’s never occurred to me to visit Brentford. I’ve been missing out!
Toonsarah
Well Syon is certainly worth a visit (I must share the interior some time) but otherwise I wouldn’t go out of my way!
Tina Schell
It’s always interesting to those of us in the U.S. (well to me anyway!) when a city’s description begins with a city’s “occupation by the Romans”. I suppose there’s a chance we had some native Americans here back then but I doubt it!! The term “history” definitely has a different meaning for places that go so far back! Your meander through a nearby place was lovely even if we don’t photograph the less “bucolic” areas. This one seems to have some really lovely spots. A perfect covid-era getaway!
Toonsarah
Yes, our documented history certainly goes back a lot further than yours! Most if not all London suburbs (and Brentford is just a suburb) will had Romans around at some point as they quite quickly established Londinium as their capital. Thanks for giving me a reason to share this largely unvisited place.
bushboy
I would walk there more often as it is quite pretty
Sarah Wilkie
Parts are pretty, especially by the river, but the walk to get there isn’t so great – just a straight and rather dull main road!
I. J. Khanewala
The odd lack of people is explained.
Sarah Wilkie
I’m not sure I understand? There are no people featured in my shots but plenty live in Brentford