Eel Pie Island facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eel Pie Island |
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 Eel Pie Island
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| OS grid reference | TQ164731 |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | TWICKENHAM |
| Postcode district | TW1 |
| Dialling code | 020 |
| Police | Metropolitan |
| Fire | London |
| Ambulance | London |
| EU Parliament | London |
| UK Parliament |
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Eel Pie Island is a small island in the River Thames near Twickenham in London. It's about 8.9 acres big. You can reach it by boat or by a special footbridge from the riverbank. This island was once famous for its music club in the 1960s, where many jazz and blues bands played.
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What's in a Name?
The island's name, Eel Pie Island, probably comes from the delicious eel pies that were served at an inn there in the 1800s. Before that, it was known as the Parish Ait or Twickenham Ait. An "ait" is another word for a small island in a river.
A Look Back in Time
Early Days
People have been visiting this island for a very long time! Tools made from red deer antlers have been found on the island's shores. These tools were used by people who lived there thousands of years ago.
The Eel Pie House Inn
By 1743, there was an inn on the island. It became a popular spot for people taking boat trips on the Thames. In 1830, a new, bigger inn was built. It had a large room for parties and was known as a great place for fishing and fun.
For many years, the island was actually seen as two parts. The western part had buildings like a boat house and the Island Hotel. The eastern part was more marshy and sometimes flooded. In 1957, the first footbridge was built, making it much easier to get to the island.
The Famous Eel Pie Island Hotel
The island was home to the Eel Pie Island Hotel. This was a grand building that hosted ballroom dancing in the 1920s and 1930s.
In 1956, the hotel became a cool place for jazz music. Later, in the 1960s, it turned into a major spot for rock and R&B bands. Many famous musicians played there between 1957 and 1967, including:
- Long John Baldry (with Rod Stewart)
- Acker Bilk
- John Mayall's Bluesbreakers (with Eric Clapton)
- The Rolling Stones
- The Who
- The Yardbirds
- Pink Floyd
In 1967, the hotel had to close because it needed expensive repairs. It briefly reopened in 1969 as Colonel Barefoot's Rock Garden. Bands like Black Sabbath and Genesis performed there.
Around 1969-1970, the hotel building became a place where a group of people lived together. The building was old and set to be taken down. Sadly, in 1971, the Eel Pie Island Hotel burned down in a mysterious fire.
Later, in 1996, another fire damaged the center of the island. The footbridge was also damaged in 1997. But a new footbridge was built and opened in 1998.
What's on the Island Today?
Eel Pie Island is now home to about 50 houses and 120 people. It also has boatyards, small businesses, and art studios. There are nature areas at both ends of the island, which are protected and not open to the public. The main path from the bridge is open for visitors to explore.
Island Artists
The island is a creative place! There are 26 art studios, often found in a working boatyard. These studios, called Eel Pie Island Art Studios, open to the public for short times each year. This is usually in June and December, so people can see and buy the artists' work.
Water Sports Fun
Eel Pie Island is a great spot for water sports. It's home to the Twickenham Rowing Club, which is one of the oldest rowing clubs on the River Thames. The Richmond Yacht Club is also located here.
Eel Pie Island in Books and TV
The island has appeared in many stories and shows:
- Books:
- The Eel Pie Murders (1933) by David Frome is a mystery novel.
- Rivers of London (2011) by Ben Aaronovitch features the island.
- The Liminal War (2015) by Ayize Jama-Everett has scenes set on the island.
- Television:
- Absolutely Fabulous: In the 1990s show, Edina's mother asks if she's gone to Eel Pie Island.
- How To Start Your Own Country (2005): The presenter, Danny Wallace, jokingly claimed to be the "Leader" of the island for a few hours!
- A TV show called Eel Pie Island Hotel is often shown on the Together TV channel.
- Radio:
- Sherlock Holmes (1948): A radio episode called "The Complicated Poisoning at Eel Pie Island" features a mystery on the island.
Other Places Named After the Island
The Eel Pie Studios, also known as Oceanic Studios, are located nearby on the mainland. These studios were once owned by musician Pete Townshend and used to record many popular songs. Townshend's publishing company, Eel Pie Publishing, is also named after the island.
There's also an Eel Pie pub-restaurant in Twickenham, named after the famous hotel on the island.
Images for kids
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A home on Eel Pie Island
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Another house on the island
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Island homes
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Different styles of housing
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Twickenham Rowing Club
