St Albans Riverside

The area has much greenery and various seating areas.[2] It is named after Aubrey Beauclerk, 5th Duke of St Albans (1740–1802) who moved to Hampton In 1796, living in St Albans Lodge (previously called St Albans Bank).[3]

The sundial

There is a local private boat house nearby as well as Hampton Court Green. Hampton Court Palace is also nearby.[4] In the park, there is a sundial designed by David Harber in the shape of a steel globe.[5] Below it is a plaque which reads:

This unique sundial designed specifically for Taggs Island consists of 13 fins, a hemisphere and rings which represent the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer and the two polar circles. This dial has been made for the exact latitude and longitude of Taggs Island.

To read Greenwich Mean Time one must find the two opposing hour fins both bathed in sunlight. The shadow cast by these fins is shown on a band engraved at 13-minute intervals and as such at half past the hour the shadow will be to the left-hand side of the fin. When there is no shadow cast by a particular fin the time is on the hour.

David Harber Sundials
Henley-on-Thames

MCMXCIX

The sundial was commissioned by the widow of Gerald George 'Gerry' Braban (1931–1993), who lobbied for and co-funded the bridge to Tagg's Island that was built in the 1990s.

St Albans Riverside is served by bus routes 111, 216 and R68. These go to Hampton Court, Hampton Court Gardens, Hampton Wick, Kingston upon Thames,[6] Sunbury, Staines, Hampton Hill, Teddington, Kew, Hampton, Hounslow, Hanworth and Heathrow Airport.[6]

• Official website