Why Is It Called The Isle Of Dogs

Alright, gather 'round, folks. Let's talk about this peculiar place called the Isle of Dogs. Now, you might be thinking, "What's with the name? Did they run out of creativity and just point at a dog?" Well, let's dive in and find out.

Once Upon a Time in London

Imagine you're strolling along the Thames in old London town, sometime around the 13th century. You're minding your own business, maybe whistling a tune, when suddenly, you spot something peculiar. A group of dogs, wild and free, lounging on an island in the river. You blink, rub your eyes, and lo and behold, the name Isle of Dogs is born. Just like that!

But Wait, There's More

Now, you might be thinking, "That's a cute story, but I'm not buying it." Fair enough. Let's explore another theory. Picture this: the 17th century, the area's a hotspot for dog breeding and training. Dogs are everywhere, like the pigeons in Trafalgar Square today. So, it's not a huge leap to call the place the Isle of Dogs, right?

But here's where it gets interesting. In true British fashion, they didn't just stop at dogs. Oh no, they had to go and add a touch of royalty. Legend has it that King Charles I had a particular fondness for the place. He'd often visit to hunt hares and other game. So, the name Isle of Dogs got a royal upgrade to Dogges' Isle. Fancy, isn't it?

Fast Forward to Today

So, there you have it, folks. The Isle of Dogs today is a vibrant, modern neighborhood, home to the iconic Gherkin building and the O2 Arena. But beneath its sleek, shiny surface, it's still the same old island, named after some dogs and a king. Isn't that something?

Next time you're there, raise a pint to the wild dogs and King Charles. After all, they're the reason you're not sipping your drink on the Isle of Cats or the Isle of Squirrels. Cheers!