Ivybridge (Isleworth)

Ivybridge, formerly Mogden, is a locality in the southern part of Isleworth in west London. Formerly agricultural, it was the site of Mogden Isolation Hospital, later South Middlesex Hospital, from 1897 to 1991, and since 1936 has been the location of Mogden Sewage Treatment Works. It has the highest level of poverty in Isleworth.

The area is usually now called Ivybridge rather than Mogden. The Ivybridge estate is a council development with four tower blocks, with one of the highest levels of poverty in the Borough of Hounslow; many refugees have been placed there.

History

The area was formerly agricultural. In the early 19th century, Michael Keens developed two commercially important varieties of strawberry, Keens' Imperial and Keens' Seedling, on Worton Lane. In the 1890s, George Tebbutt was growing prize-winning damsons and lilies at Mogden House. The 18th-century house survives in Bankside Close.

River

The Duke of Northumberland's River flows through Ivybridge and was diverted to provide coolant for the sewage treatment plant. It is aboveground except for a small section near the main works buildings. The public footpath alongside it forms part of the Crane Walk.