'If the tide is high, and it is often very high, the great expanse of silvery water is like a sounding-board for the subtle changes of light in the sky above; a passing cloud will bring shivers of grey across the river, whilst a shaft of sun will wrinkle the surface with silver or gold from the horizon to the bank close at hand. A little further up, along Chiswick Mall, the highest tides flood across the gardens and road and up to the steps of the houses themselves; it is not uncommon to see swans swimming and boats sailing between abandoned cars on the roadway.' (Julian Trevelyan, 'Indigo Days', Macgibbon and Kee, London, 1957, p.50)