 In heavy flows the river came to tidal slack water often locally; this fertilised the broad banks of flood-meadows and flooded the island and ferry in winter.Controlled flows resembled the modern level by early 19th century as any agricultural benefit was outweighed by the homes of those near the river engaged in more modern forms of work.The first wooden bridge over the river at Hampton Court opened in 1753 and had a toll collected by a bridge-keeper.