Cigarette Island Park facts for kids

Apartments at Hampton Court Palace seen across the Thames from Cigarette Island Park

Cigarette Island Park is a lovely public park in East Molesey, Surrey. It covers about 5 acres, which is like five football fields! This park is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.

What's in a Name? The Park's History

From Island to Park

Before it became a park, this area was an island. It was located where the River Mole flows into the famous Thames. Back in the 1300s, it was known as The Sterte. Later, in 1843, it got a new name: Davis's Ait.

How It Got the Name Cigarette Island

The name Cigarette Island came from a houseboat. There was a boat called Cigarette that used to be moored right there. People started calling the whole island after this boat.

A Beautiful Spot by the River

In 1843, a writer named James Thorne described the area as "a noble one." He said that looking from the island, the Thames and Hampton Court Palace across the river made a "picture of surpassing beauty." By the late 1800s, many houseboats liked to moor at this spot.

Becoming a Public Park

Plans for a New Park

In 1926, local council members started making plans. They wanted to turn the island into a public park. One reason was to help manage the increasing number of people living in caravans and sheds nearby.

The Island Changes Shape

In the early 1930s, big changes happened. The River Mole was moved into the River Ember. The old creek that separated the island was filled in. This connected the island to the mainland.

Opening Day

Finally, in 1935, the area officially opened as a public park. Since then, it has been a popular spot for everyone to enjoy the riverside.