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The River Thames
Staines Bridge spanning the Rivers Thames

The Thames is England's best known, and arguably its greatest waterway. It is the reason for Spelthorne's existence, as archaeologists have shown that the area has been populated since the Ice Age, when the river assumed its present course. Staines, originally a small Roman town called Ad Pontes (meaning "at the bridges"), developed beside the original river crossing established in the 1st Century A.D. The wooden structure built by the Romans was the first of a series of bridges at this point, culminating in the present elegant stone construction opened in 1832.
 

The Thames itself has a great deal to offer - from daily boat trips to simply wandering along its banks and enjoying its tranquil scenery. Boats can be hired at several locations and amateur regattas are held during the summer at both Staines and Sunbury, the latter being one of the less common skiff regattas dating back to 1877.

The river is well stocked with coarse, and angling from the banks is generally free of charge. Salmon have also begun to return to the river in recent years, encouraged by the cleaner Thames water and the installation of salmon leaps at certain locks.

The Thames locks enjoy a deserved reputation for attractively maintained gardens and those at Penton Hook, Chertsey, Shepperton and Sunbury are no exception.
Many of Spelthorne's attractive parks and open spaces are situated beside the river, and include the Lammas Recreation Ground in Staines, Laleham Park, Shepperton Tow Path, Shepperton Manor Park and the riverside walks in Sunbury. From these vantage points it is also possible to enjoy the ever-changing river scene and observe many species of water fowl, including the stately mute swans which frequent Spelthorne's main waterway.
The ancient ceremony of swan upping takes place about the third week of July, and this historic custom, dating back over 500 years, involves a survey of the birds belonging to the Crown and the Vintners and Dyers Companies, which are marked according to ownership.