D'Oyly Carte Island facts for kids

Eyot House, footbridge and gate in front

Residential narrowboats pictured in front of D'Oyly Carte Island looking west from Desborough Island

D'Oyly Carte Island is a small, private island located in the River Thames in England. It's near the town of Weybridge, which is in Surrey. This island is special because it's owned by a private person, not the public. Before 1890, it had a different name: Folly Eyot. It's located on a part of the river that is just above Sunbury Lock.

Where is D'Oyly Carte Island?

This pretty, wooded island is about 145 metres long. It's also between 30 and 45 metres wide in most places. The island is about 27 kilometres (16.8 miles) away from Charing Cross in London. It's part of the area known as Weybridge.

Why is it Called D'Oyly Carte Island?

The island used to be called Folly Eyot. But then, a famous person named Richard D'Oyly Carte bought it. He was a very important producer of Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas. These were popular musical plays. Richard D'Oyly Carte also started the famous Savoy Theatre in London. He bought the island around 1890, and that's how it got his name.

What is the Island's History?

Richard D'Oyly Carte wanted to use the island as a special, quiet place for his new Savoy Hotel. Guests could travel there by boat. However, local officials did not allow him to sell drinks there.

Even without a special license, many famous people visited Carte's house on the island. These included the writer W. S. Gilbert and the music composer Arthur Sullivan. They were the famous duo Gilbert and Sullivan.

After Richard D'Oyly Carte passed away, his wife, Helen, sold the island. In 2019, the island was for sale again for £3.2 million.

What Can You Find on the Island?

Richard D'Oyly Carte built the main house on the island, which is called Eyot House. He lived there with his family. The house has a big garden that he and his wife helped to design. Many trees surround the property.

Eyot House is quite large! It has 13 bedrooms, five bathrooms, and four main living rooms. There's even a ballroom for parties. The whole property, including the house and garden, covers about 0.8 hectares (1.9 acres).

A special footbridge was built in 1964 to connect the island to the mainland. It's a single bridge with a high arch. The island also has places where small boats can dock.

Images for kids

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  Eyot House and footbridge