Garrick's Ait facts for kids
Garrick's Ait (sometimes called Garrick's Eyot) is a small island in the River Thames in England. It sits just above Molesey Lock. The land closest to it on one side is Moulsey Hurst park in Surrey. On the other side is a smaller riverside park in Hampton. This island is special because it's the only one in the United Kingdom named after an actor!
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Discover Garrick's Ait: A Special Island
Garrick's Ait is an "ait" or "eyot." These are old English words for a small river island. This island is about 330 meters (around 1,080 feet) upstream from Tagg's Island. Tagg's Island is much bigger than Garrick's Ait.
Where is Garrick's Ait?
Today, there are 20 houses on Garrick's Ait. Historically, the island was divided into 26 smaller pieces of land, called plots. Two of these plots, including the very end of the island, were always kept as natural areas with trees or for boats to dock. It's important to know that you can only reach Garrick's Ait by boat.
The Story Behind the Name
Garrick's Ait is named after a famous actor named David Garrick. He lived in the 1700s. His special Temple to Shakespeare and his home, Garrick's Villa, are on the Hampton bank of the river. Because of him, Garrick's Ait is the only island in the country named after an actor.
How Willow Trees Helped the Island
Like many islands along the River Thames, Garrick's Ait was once used for growing and harvesting willow trees. These trees, especially the weeping willow, became popular in England in the 1700s. People would "pollard" the trees. This means cutting off the top branches to encourage new, straight growth.
The wood from these willow trees was very useful. It could be used to make things like cricket bats, boat paddles, ladders, and even parts for guns. The harvested branches, called "osiers," were strong and flexible. They were also resistant to rot. People used osiers to make fish traps, baskets, and to strengthen the riverbanks.
