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Monkey Island AND Monkey Island Estate
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Monkey Island is a small island in the River Thames in England, on the reach above Boveney Lock near the village of Bray, Berkshire.
It is now occupied by a hotel, but sports a fascinating history involving grotesquely painted monkeys and the Duke of Marlborough. Monkey Island is fortified with the rubble from the Great Fire of London of 1666
Monkey Island is a small island in the River Thames in England, on the reach above Boveney Lock near the village of Bray, Berkshire.
It is now occupied by a hotel, but sports a fascinating history involving grotesquely painted monkeys and the Duke of Marlborough. Monkey Island is fortified with the rubble from the Great Fire of London of 1666
Due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19, Monkey Island Estate remains temporarily closed until 31st March 2021.
Monkey Island Estate will be open for exclusive hire during this time, check their website for details.
2019 UPDATE
Now open after a major renovation by YTL Hotels and the award-winning Champalimaud Design
The two grade I listed heritage pavilions which form the property were originally commissioned as a fishing retreat in 1723 by the third Duke of Marlborough. These have now been completely restored and renovated, with beautifully landscaped gardens and picturesque views of the River Thames. Monkey Island Estate features 27 exquisite guest rooms and three sumptuous suites.
[The author was delighted to be table service #1 on reopening day. The hotel's restoration is a beautiful work]
-oOo-
New contact details
enquiries@monkeyisland.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 1628 623 400
Monkey Island Estate will be open for exclusive hire during this time, check their website for details.
2019 UPDATE
Now open after a major renovation by YTL Hotels and the award-winning Champalimaud Design
The two grade I listed heritage pavilions which form the property were originally commissioned as a fishing retreat in 1723 by the third Duke of Marlborough. These have now been completely restored and renovated, with beautifully landscaped gardens and picturesque views of the River Thames. Monkey Island Estate features 27 exquisite guest rooms and three sumptuous suites.
[The author was delighted to be table service #1 on reopening day. The hotel's restoration is a beautiful work]
-oOo-
New contact details
enquiries@monkeyisland.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 1628 623 400
"Visitors included monarchs – a 1905 photograph shows Edward V11 enjoying afternoon tea under the walnut trees – and showbiz royalty such as famous singers Clara Butt and Dame Nellie Melba. Sir Edward Elgar* worked on his First Symphony Violin Concerto in The Hut, a house on the adjacent bank. Famous literary visitors included WW1 poet Siegfried Sassoon, and H.G Wells and lover Rebecca West, whose 1918 novel The Return of the Soldier centred on a past affair on Monkey Island."
*For more on Elgar at "The Hut" see David McBrien's fascinating paper for The Elgar Society
