On the right is Hammersmith Mall, with its attractive houses and the Doves Inn (a boat-race mark). Chiswick Eyot (8 miles) masks Chiswick Mall, except the west end of it, where Chiswick Church is seen. We now enter Carney Reach. On the left is Barnes, with another terrace of 18th century houses facing the river. Beyond Barnes Railway Bridge (9 miles; Southern Railway) comes Mortlake, on the left. The University Boat Race ends near the Ship Inn. Beyond the next railway bridge (North London and District Railways), on the right, lies the charming waterside hamlet of Strand-on-the-Green, a favourite haunt of artists. Immediately afterwards we reach Kew, which lies to the left. The pier (11 miles; 1 hour 35 minutes from Westminster) lies just short of Kew Bridge. Pleasant walk hence to Richmond by the towing-path on the south (Surrey) bank. On the right is Brentford, with Brentford Eyot in front. On the left are the Royal Botanic Gardens, with their fine trees, and Kew Palace, half hidden amongst the foliage. Opposite are the mouth of the river Brent and (12 miles) Brentford Dock.
The following reach is a pretty bit of sylvan river-scenery. Syon or Sion House, a seat of the Duke of Northumberland, appears four-square on the right, in the middle of a fine park. It occupies the site of a famous nunnery of St. Bridget which was founded in 1431 and was granted to the Protector Somerset after the Dissolution. Lady Jane Grey was living here when summoned to the throne. The present mansion was erected by Robert Adam about 1760. The lion on the river-front was brought hither in 1874 on the demolition of Northumberland House in the Strand.
