Walton Wharf
Audio guide to this location
Audio Transcript
You are standing at Walton Wharf, a place that was once one of the busiest parts of the town.
From the 17th century onwards, this stretch of river became an important trading wharf. Long before railways and lorries, goods arrived in Walton by barge, often pulled upstream by teams of horses or men walking along the towpath.
Coal, building materials, timber and other supplies all passed through the wharf. During the late 19th century, the nearby Walton Gas Works received much of its coal here before it was taken to the gasworks behind present-day Manor Road.
River conditions could make navigation difficult. Before Sunbury Lock was built in 1812, heavily laden barges sometimes had to wait several days at Hampton Court until water levels allowed them to continue upstream to Walton.
This stretch of river also became an important sporting venue. Since 1862, the straight reach here has been used for the Walton and Weybridge Regatta, which at one time rivalled the famous regatta at Henley.
The composer Sir Arthur Sullivan, who lived nearby at River House, often allowed spectators to watch the regatta from his garden overlooking the river.
Today, the wharf is a much quieter place, but it remains an excellent spot to enjoy the Thames, watch the swans and boats, or pause for refreshments at the nearby riverside pubs.
When you’re ready, continue along the riverside towards River House and Riverhouse Barn.
Photo taken at a riverside wharf in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. Fuel for the plant operated by the Metropolitan Water Board is unloaded from barges by an electric transporter crane. This crane has a capacity of 2 tons and the radius of its jib is 44 ft 6-in. Taken from: http://wondersofworldengineering.com/water_london.html
Further Information
A Working Wharf
For hundreds of years, Walton Wharf was one of the town’s commercial centres. Barges carrying goods travelled up and down the Thames, with horses or teams of men towing them along the towpath.
The nearby public drawdock was traditionally used for watering livestock. Historical accounts even describe elephants from travelling circuses being led down to the river here.
The Coming of the Locks
The Thames was not always easy to navigate. Low water levels often prevented heavily loaded barges from reaching Walton.
Sunbury Lock, opened in 1812, helped regulate water levels and made river transport much more reliable.
Steam launches later appeared on the river during the Victorian period. In 1895, one owner was even prosecuted for dangerous navigation on the Thames at Walton.
Regatta Reach
The straight mile of river at Walton has hosted the Walton and Weybridge Regatta since 1862. At its height, the event attracted large crowds and rivalled Henley as an important rowing occasion.
Sir Arthur Sullivan, who lived at nearby River House, regularly allowed spectators onto his riverside lawn to watch the racing.
His friend Richard D’Oyly Carte, the theatre impresario behind the Savoy Theatre and the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, was also closely connected with the local area.
Today, the Thames Path continues along the riverbank as part of the National Trail, which follows the Thames for around 190 miles from its source in Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier in London.
Did you know?
- Walton Wharf has been a trading point since the 17th century.
- Barges were often pulled by horses walking along the towpath.
- Elephants from travelling circuses were once taken into the river here to drink.
- The Walton and Weybridge Regatta has been held since 1862. Sir Arthur Sullivan allowed regatta spectators to use his riverside garden.
- Before Sunbury Lock was built, barges sometimes waited days for suitable water levels.
- The Thames Path follows almost the entire length of the river for around 190 miles.
- Walton’s regatta was once considered a rival to Henley.
