The river at Weybridge
The River Wey joins the Thames at Weybridge, having flowed some 80 plus miles from its Hampshire and West Sussex sources. Weybridge is a commuter town of importance on the London and South Western lines out of Waterloo to Woking and Southamtpon and Exeter. Weybridge clearly means bridge over the River Wey and it was originally known as Waigebrugge in the year AD675 (there is evidence that the river was known as the Waie.) Henry the eight built Oatlands Palace here in 1537, and it was used by Kings of England until its demolition shortly after England's civl war ended in 1650. Some of the dressings from the palace are known to have been used for the construction of the Wey Navigation's locks and bridges in 1653. Evidence of its tudor bricks were found in Coxes Lock, whilst stone blocks were used at Stoke lock
The crossing where the original medieval bridges stood was at the location where the present Iron bridge of 1865 stands. Like Godalming 20miles along the river to the south, Weybridge was also a pioneer in electricity. In 1890 it was the first town to be wholly lit by electricity, but the scheme was short lived as people objected to the overhead wires used for the scheme. The town became wholly gas-lit by 1895. The famous Brooklands racetrack opened in 1907, and it encroached onto part of the River Wey itself, fortunately the river at this point is not navigable
A plaque on the bridge tells us it was built in 1865, replacing an older structure
There are some unusual buildings in Weybridge adjacent to the River Wey
A recent view showing the new development on Thames Lock Island
Behind the buildings along Thames Street are many boat moorings. The river splits into another two branches by the Old Crown Pub. This pub is very old, a grade II listed building and belived to have been built in the 17th century, possibly around the time the Wey Navigation was opened. Certainly it was a popular locale for the people who worked the barges along the Wey Navigation.
Several years ago the frontage along the River Wey was being improved
The new frontage in 2008
Looking south from the footbridge over the river, and which gives road and pedestrian access to Thames Lock island
Thames Lock Island before redevelopment began. The notice says "This is a Private Island. Do not enter this area without authorisation from the site foreman."