Garrick's Ait
Garrick's Ait (or Garrick's Eyot on Ordnance Survey maps), previously known as Shank's Eyot, is an ait (island) in the River Thames in England on the reach above Molesey Lock, near Moulsey Hurst on the Surrey bank and opposite Hampton. It is a short way upstream from Tagg's Island. There are about 20 houses on the island, but it is inaccessible except by boat. It is named after David Garrick the actor who lived opposite.
Like most Thames islands, it was used for growing and harvesting willow trees. Wood from pollarding could be used for cricket bats, paddles, ladders, gun stocks, crates and poles for fences. Harvested branches, called osiers, are strong, flexible and resistant to rot – they were used for fish traps, basket making and for reinforcing riverbanks.[1]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "Garrick's Ait". The Thames from Hampton Court to Sunbury Lock. http://www.marketingreinforcements.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/index_garricksait.html. Retrieved 2009-01-07.
| Next island upstream | River Thames | Next island downstream |
| Benn's Ait | Garrick's Ait | Tagg's Island |
Coordinates: 51°24′42″N 0°21′37″W / 51.41167°N 0.36028°W
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