Did you know that...
The first mention of Isleworth comes from the year 695. It was recorded as Gislheresuuyrth in an Anglo-Saxon charter. In the Domesday Book, the area is called Gistelesworde. Thistelworth is the 14th-century name. The current spelling is used starting with the 18th century. The name derives from the proper name Gīslhere and it means Gīslhere’s enclosure. The St Valeri family owned the manor of Isleworth, however, they didn’t live here. In the 13th century, King Henry III took the manor from the St Valeri family and granted it to his brother Richard. The Black Book of the Exchequer describes the new manor house built by Richard. It had a moat, two bedrooms, and an inner courtyard.
In the 18th century, Isleworth had many orchards. Its 19th-century market gardens supplied the city. Many buildings from these centuries remain on Church Street and Lower Square. This West London area knew urban development starting with the beginning of the 20th century. Isleworth Studios stood on Worton Road. Notable productions include Invader featuring Buster Keaton, The Small Black Room, and The African Queen featuring Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. The Sky broadcasting company is based in this TW7 area. The Boat Cathja that houses a mental health charity since 1996 is moored here.
Historian and broadcaster David Attenborough was born in Isleworth. Actor William Hartnell who is known for playing the first Doctor Who is another notable resident. Singer Vince Taylor, who inspired David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust, lived here as a child. Best-selling author Gladys Mitchell and actress Sophia Myles are notable The Green School for Girls alumni. Olympic gold medalist Mo Farah, Chelsea footballer Reece James, and cricketer Owais Shah went to Isleworth and Syon School. All Saints’ Church is the oldest parish church in this area. It was renovated in the 20th century but it still has some parts from the 15th century.