A Surpise Terrapin, err Turtle, err ... Tortoise?

Today I decided to cover the route that LondonFlickrMeetups made a few weeks ago to which I couldn’t attend.

I was expecting a fairly vague affair walking along the Thames. The usual herons, geese, gulls, ducks, cyclists, runners etc.

Just as I was getting to Richmond (by the floodgates) I spotted this chap basking in the sun.

By the time I left he had quite a crowd. All wondering what kind turtle, tortoise or terrapin it is? Any ideas?

Tags: sunshine, Animalia, richmond, basking, Chordata, chelonian, turtle, england, Vertebrata, surprise, london, Reptilia, uk, tortoise, terrapin