The Thames Landscape Strategy had great pleasure co-ordinating the Pocahontas at Syon: From the James to the Thames events between 16th and 21st March. The TLS events culminated with a dedication to Pocahontas at Syon House on 20th March attended by HRH The Duke of Gloucester with Chief Emeritus Ken Adams ,Chief Steve Adkins, and Chief Anne Richardson will be representing the Virginian Powhatan tribes.
Matoaka, daughter of Chief Powhatan and more commonly known as Pocahontas was born and raised along the banks of the James River near Richmond Virginia but died in March 1617 on a boat on the Thames at the start of a planned voyage back to Virginia following a trip to England with her family. She was buried next to the river at St. George’s Church Gravesend. During her stay in England, Pocahontas lived in a villa in the grounds of Syon House, next to the Thames in Isleworth.
A series of events to mark the 400th anniversary of Pocahontas’ death were organised by those organisations and places that had a connection with the life of the Princess and are collectively known as ‘Pocahontas 400’. On Sunday 19th March, the TLS joined forces with Kieron Knowles to stage the premier of a new play Gravesend The Story of Pocahontas at the Kew Bridge Steam Museum. The play received a standing ovation!
The Thames Landscape Strategy in partnership with the London Borough of Hounslow and Syon House organised a series of educational activities as the anniversary approached and the main event at Syon House, using the twin-rivers of the Thames and the James as a theme to unite different communities and to mark Pocahontas’ six-month stay at Syon. A delegation representing Virginia Heritage, the State of Virginia, Scenic Virginia, The James River Park and the Powhatan tribes attended the events.
At Syon House a plaque was dedicated to the young princess marking her short stay at Syon.
Pocahontas at Syon: From the James to the Thames is supported by The London Borough of Hounslow, Syon Estates and The Petersham Hotel.
James River Park System