The River Thames is more than just the iconic backdrop to London’s landmarks and bridges—it’s the beating heart of the city’s history. But here’s something most people don’t know: this famous river was once scattered with numerous small islands, known as “eyots” or “aits.” These tiny islands, shaped by the river’s currents, once played a big role in the everyday life along the Thames. Over the years, though, many of them have vanished, slipping quietly into the past. Curious? Let’s dig into the hidden stories of these forgotten islands and discover the wilder, quieter side of London’s river that most people never see.
What are Eyots?
So, what exactly are eyots (sometimes spelled aits)? Basically, they’re small islands that popped up in the middle of rivers like the Thames, thanks to all the sediment and silt building up over time. Over the centuries, the river’s meandering flow created these little landmasses, which became home to a wide range of uses—from grazing cattle and growing crops to being hideouts for smugglers. While most people walking along the Thames today may not give much thought to these islands, they were once a crucial part of life along the river.
While some of the eyots have disappeared or been swallowed by the city’s growth, the ones that remain are like little time capsules, giving us a peek into a time when the Thames was more than just a pretty cityscape—it was an important, lively part of everyday life.
Eel Pie Island: from Eels to Rock ’n’ Roll
One of the most famous and intriguing of these islands is Eel Pie Island, located near Twickenham in West London. It has a long, colorful history that stretches back to the 1600s, when eel pies were sold at local inns (hence the name!). By the 19th century, the island had become a popular destination for Londoners looking for a riverside escape.
However, it was in the 1960s that Eel Pie Island really gained its legendary status. The Eel Pie Island Hotel became a hotspot for the emerging British rock scene, with now-iconic bands like The Rolling Stones and The Who playing there before they hit the big time. The island turned into a hub for music lovers and bohemians, and even after the hotel closed, it kept its reputation as a center of artistic life. Today, the island is home to a mix of artists, boat enthusiasts, and private residents, connected to the mainland by just one footbridge. Despite its transformation, Eel Pie Island still holds onto its unique, offbeat charm—a little slice of London history that’s easy to overlook.
Chiswick Eyot: a natural time capsule
Another surviving island is Chiswick Eyot, which sits close to the north bank of the Thames near Hammersmith. Unlike Eel Pie Island, Chiswick Eyot remains mostly untouched by human hands, acting as a Local Nature Reserve where wildlife flourishes. At low tide, the eyot reveals itself fully, covered in wild vegetation and hosting a variety of birds and other wildlife. In fact, it’s one of the few places along the Thames where you can still experience something close to the river’s natural state, unspoiled by urban development.
Historically, Chiswick Eyot was used for growing osiers, a type of willow used in basket-making. Today, though, it’s a peaceful escape for nature lovers and a key point along the route of the famous Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. Amidst the busy city, Chiswick Eyot offers a quiet reminder of a time when London was a bit of a wilder and greener place.
The vanished islands: lost to time
Not all of the Thames’ islands have survived the centuries. Many have been submerged due to rising water levels, while others have been absorbed into the mainland as the city expanded. Thorney Island is one such example. Centuries ago, it was a prominent island at the confluence of the Thames and the River Tyburn, serving as the original site of Westminster Abbey. Over time, as the area was drained and developed, Thorney Island was lost, and today we know it simply as Westminster. It’s hard to imagine that this heavily built-up area was once a peaceful, isolated island.
Other islands have been repurposed or drastically altered. Isleworth Ait, for example, still exists but is largely inaccessible to the public. Once home to willow plantations, it’s now a refuge for wildlife, offering an unexpected sanctuary in the middle of the river.
Islands as havens for smugglers and cattle
Back in their prime time, these islands served all kinds of practical purposes. Many were used for agriculture, with farmers grazing cattle on them or growing crops like osiers for basket weaving. Their isolation made them perfect for such activities—being surrounded by water kept the animals in and, importantly, predators out.
But not all of the islands’ history was so innocent. The Thames, once a major trade route, was also a hotspot for smugglers. Its winding banks and hidden coves, including some of the eyots, made perfect hiding spots for contraband. Eel Pie Island, for example, was rumored to be a smugglers’ haven in the 18th century. It’s easy to imagine pirates or smugglers using these secluded islands as secret bases, just far enough from the authorities but still close to the bustling city.
The islands as retreats from city life
Even as the Thames became more industrialized and urban, its islands remained a peaceful escape from the chaos of the city. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Londoners would frequently row out to these small islands for picnics, parties, or simple afternoon strolls. They offered a much-needed retreat where people could reconnect with nature and escape the pressures of life in the growing metropolis.
Some of the remaining islands, like Raven’s Ait near Kingston, are still used today as quiet, idyllic locations for weddings and private events. It’s a far cry from their days as farmland or hideaways for smugglers, but their appeal as peaceful refuges remains strong.
Echoes of a forgotten Thames
The forgotten islands of the Thames are more than just historical footnotes—they’re relics from a time when the river was at the heart of daily life, not just a pretty backdrop. These eyots and aits may seem insignificant now, but they were once bustling with activity, offering sanctuary for wildlife, farmers, and even outlaws. As you walk along the Thames or sail down its waters, take a moment to imagine the hidden history beneath the surface. The river may have changed, but its islands still hold the stories of a wilder, untamed London—if you know where to look.
