Eel Pie Island

Settlement in Middlesex

England

Eel Pie Island

'Mayflower' passing North Sheen level crossing Thompson B1 4-6-0 No. 61306 &#039;Mayflower&#039; passing over North Sheen level crossing with the afternoon &#039;Royal Windsor Steam Express&#039; en route from Victoria to Windsor &amp; Eton Riverside. This is the second of two trips to Windsor this day, in the evening there was a &#039;Sunset Steam Express&#039; from Victoria to Chertsey returning via Guildford and Croydon. — 'Mayflower' passing North Sheen level crossing Credit: Bob Walters

Eel Pie Island is a small island located in the River Thames in Middlesex, England. It is situated in the borough of Richmond upon Thames, approximately 10 miles southwest of central London. The island has a rich history and is known for its association with music, art, and its unique bohemian atmosphere.

The island is accessible via a footbridge from the Twickenham Embankment, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Eel Pie Island is approximately 500 meters long and 100 meters wide, with a mix of residential and commercial properties.

In the early 19th century, the island gained popularity as a recreational spot, attracting visitors who enjoyed its natural beauty and the opportunity to indulge in eel pies, hence its name. However, it was during the 20th century that Eel Pie Island became an iconic music venue.

From the 1950s to the 1960s, the Eel Pie Island Hotel hosted renowned jazz and blues performances, attracting famous musicians like The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and The Who. It became a hub for the emerging British rhythm and blues scene, contributing to the development of British rock music.

Today, Eel Pie Island remains a vibrant artistic community, with many of its residents being artists, musicians, and craftsmen. The island hosts regular open studio events, allowing visitors to explore the creative works and unique character of the island.

With its rich musical history and bohemian ambiance, Eel Pie Island continues to be a hidden gem along the River Thames, offering a glimpse into the artistic heritage of Middlesex.

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Eel Pie Island Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.479659/-0.3021659 or Grid Reference TQ1877. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

'Mayflower' passing North Sheen level crossing

Thompson B1 4-6-0 No. 61306 'Mayflower' passing over North Sheen level crossing with the afternoon 'Royal Windsor Steam Express' en route from Victoria to Windsor & Eton Riverside. This is the second of two trips to Windsor this day, in the evening there was a 'Sunset Steam Express' from Victoria to Chertsey returning via Guildford and Croydon.

Bob Walters

Colourful bedding at Kew

One of the less botanical, and more overtly ornamental, displays in the Royal Botanic Gardens - a circle of imapatiens plants, with the Palm House in the background.

Paul Harrop

Waterlily House, Kew

The small, square glasshouse at the Royal Botanic Gardens Link

designed specifically to showcase the giant Amazon waterlily (Victoria amazonica). It was completed in 1852 and is now a listed building, filled with aquatic plants and tropical fruit.

Paul Harrop

Richmond Station

Art Deco-style station building on Kew Road. The frontage here dates from 1937 and is on the London Overground, the Underground District Line, and the South Western Railway Waterloo to Reading line.

Paul Harrop

Kew Palace

Seen from the parterre garden at the rear, this remnant of a much larger complex is also known as the Dutch House, now within the grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Dating from 1631 but built over the undercroft of an earlier building, it was a royal residence from 1728 to 1818, with a final short-lived occupation in 1844. It is Grade I listed, and open to visitors.

Paul Harrop

Old Milestone, A307, Kew Road, opposite Holmesdale Road

The milestone is located on the West side of the road on the front edge of the pavement. Parish of Richmond Upon Thames (Richmond Upon Thames District). Carved stone post, Richmond stone design, erected by the Kensington to Cranford Bridge turnpike trust in the 19th century. Inscription reads:- VII / MILES / FROM / HYDE PARK / CORNER Grade II listed by Historic England, List Entry Number: 1357698 Link

The image was taken before 2010 Milestone Society National ID: SY_LNRM07

Milestone Society

Kew Palace

Grade I listed. Listing number 1263073. Dating from 1631. Built by Samuel Fortrey a Flemish merchant whose initials with those of his wife are above the door.

Andrew Abbott

The Pagoda, Kew Gardens

Grade I listed. Listing number 1262593. Built 1761-2 by Sir William Chambers. Grey stock brick. Ten storeys high (163 ft). Octagonal. Each of the upper storeys arcaded and balconied with "Chippendale" Chinese style railing all round, painted in Chinese red on the balcony projections. Each storey sheltered by roofed coving, also painted red. Ring of timber posts support slated roof to ground storey. The Pagoda roof originally of glazed tiles but is now leaded

Andrew Abbott

Aroid House, Kew Gardens

Grade II* listed. Listing number 1250800. By John Nash, originally one of the two pavilions flanking the Garden Facade of Buckingham Palace. It has glass walls with square Tuscan piers along the sides and six Ionic columns in antis along the fronts. Pediments and roof mostly glazed. North wall blind. Re-erected in this position in 1836.

Andrew Abbott

Kew Gardens railway station

Grade II listed. Listing number 1031878. Built 1868-9 for the London and South Western Railway.

Andrew Abbott

Syon Lane station

On the so-called Hounslow Loop. The photo was taken in a brief sunny spell on an afternoon in late October.

Stefan Czapski

The British Pullman at North Sheen

Bulleid pacific No. 35028 'Clan Line' on the level crossing at North Sheen with the 'British Pullman' dining train.

Bob Walters

Hercules Fountain, Kew Gardens

Providing a focal feature in the pond, the bronze statue of Hercules wrestles with the Greek river god Achelous in the form of a serpent. It is part of the Royal Collection and has had a peripatectic existence since being acquired by King George IV in 1829. It has been at Kew since 1961.

Mark Percy

The Botanical Brasserie

The 3,300 sq ft café is located in the historic 19th-century building formerly known as Museum No.1, and features a terrace overlooking the Palm House Conservatory and pond, as well as a bar and private dining room. The cafe is the fifth outlet run by caterer Peyton and Byrne and the first all-day table service café in Kew Gardens. The predominantly plant-based British menu, created by executive chef Lawrence Keogh (formerly of The Wolseley), reflects the location and puts emphasis on natural, seasonal ingredients.

Mark Percy

Jay (Garrulus glandarius) on magnolia, Kew Gardens

The barred electric blue and darker blue stripes on the wing are evident. The bird sat in the tree while people walked by admiring magnolia blossom.

David Hawgood

Magnolias in full bloom, Kew Gardens

Magnolias in West London in general have profuse blossom this year, it even makes driving along the North Circular a pleasure. Kew Gardens has an excellent display.

David Hawgood

Grove of magnolias in bloom, Kew Gardens

See also TQ1877 : Magnolias in full bloom, Kew Gardens taken just before. Geograph has other photos over the years of these spectacular trees, e.g. TQ1877 : Magnolia bud in Kew Gardens and TQ1877 : Magnolias.

David Hawgood

Yoshino cherry blossom by Kew Gardens palm house

A gift of 35 cherry blossom trees from Gifu Sakura no Kai (Gifu Cherry Blossoms Association) to promote peace and friendship between Japan and UK, planted May 2017.

David Hawgood

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Eel Pie Island is located at Grid Ref: TQ1877 (Lat: 51.479659, Lng: -0.3021659)

Unitary Authority: Richmond upon Thames

Police Authority: Metropolitan