Sonning Eye

Sonning Eye is a hamlet in the Oxfordshire county of England. It is located opposite the village of Sonning, Berkshire, on the River Thames. The hamlet is within the civil parish of Eye and Dunsden.

Geography

Sonning Eye is about three miles northeast of Reading and 40 miles west of London. It is surrounded by the River Thames to the south, the Sonning Backwater to the west, and the Millennium River Thames Footbridge to the east. The hamlet is notable for its proximity to the Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake, a training lake for rowers, and the French Horn, a luxury hotel and restaurant.

History

The name "Sonning Eye" refers to the gravelly, island-like nature of the hamlet's location. The term "eye" is derived from the Old English 'eg', meaning island. The hamlet has been inhabited since at least the Middle Ages, and its history is closely tied to that of the neighbouring village of Sonning.

Landmarks

One of the most notable landmarks in Sonning Eye is the French Horn, a luxury hotel and restaurant that has been in operation since the 19th century. Another significant landmark is the Millennium River Thames Footbridge, a pedestrian and cycle bridge that connects Sonning Eye to the village of Sonning. The Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake, named after Olympic rowers Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent, is also located in Sonning Eye.

Transport

Sonning Eye is accessible by road via the A4155, which runs through the hamlet. The nearest railway station is Reading railway station, located in the nearby town of Reading. The Millennium River Thames Footbridge provides pedestrian and cycle access to the village of Sonning.

See also

• Eye and Dunsden
• Sonning
• River Thames
• French Horn, Sonning Eye