Comments on: At Eel Pie Island

By: Marcia Howard

Marcia Howard — Sun, 08 May 2022 08:43:12 +0000

The Thames runs through my blood having grown up within walking distance of it in Chelsea until the age of 11, including crossing the Bridge over to Battersea Park and the funfair. I was a Mod during the 60s, but also a big Jazz fan, first influenced by my older brother who had LPs of all the greats from back then, and then marrying a big Jazz fan. Eel Pie Island was one of our go to haunts for the jazz nights there. Our family had eventually moved to Maidenhead, again within close walking distance of the Thames, where years later I’d take my own children for walks onto Boulters Island and other beauty spots along the River. One of the highlights back in the day was going to see the Swan Upping with Mr Turk. Thank you Gentle Author for triggering all these wonderful memories with your posts. Turks still have a presence on the Thames I’m glad to say, in both Cookham and Kingston. I now live in the wilds of North Yorkshire, but have maintained friendships of many years in both Chelsea and Maidenhead – and go back to visit regularly.

By: Hilda Kean

Hilda Kean — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 20:03:13 +0000

Fine – but do mention it’s work and interest in the 60s and 7ps around rock music ! If nothing else this is how it should be protected and maintained!!

By: Ann V

Ann V — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 19:35:19 +0000

My memories of Eel Pie Island are somewhat different too – my memories are musical ones also. I remember the old lady who sat beside a brazier collecting the toll money. The two people who stand out in my mind are Elkie Brooks and Long John Baldry. One day I would love to go to the Museum in Twickenham and maybe visit the island if they still have their ‘open days’. Thank you for telling us about the boatyard, I suspect most of us had no idea about it.

By: Paula PM

Paula PM — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 15:07:19 +0000

How exciting to learn about Eel Pie Island! I went down the proverbial rabbit hole and learned so much fascinating history! Thank you for adding another must-see to my list.

By: Pennie Limming

Pennie Limming — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 13:09:55 +0000

My memories of Eel Pie Island are somewhat different … way back when in the 60’s it was THE place to go for good music. The Stones, Long John Baldry, Julie Driscoll&Brian Auger, The Yardbirds and many many more. Seem to think the charge was the 3d bridge toll.

By: Lynne Perrella

Lynne Perrella — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 11:48:55 +0000

“Artists cabins”? Did you just say “artists cabins”? You’ve made me wish to have a parallel life.
In one, I can live here in rural rustic Columbia County (the jewel of the Hudson Valley) and in the other, I will happily reside on Eel Pie Island. And, oh boy, there is an Eel Pie Museum. Does that also mean that there is an Eel Pie Historian? Forgive me for always thinking in cinematic terms — but this place reminds me a bit of “The Shipping News”.
GA, you have introduced us to so many hidden places over the years; always capturing their
offbeat allure with words and photos.
You are the gift that keeps on giving.

By: Helen Breen

Helen Breen — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 11:19:15 +0000

Greetings from Boston,

GA, great story about Ken Dwan and the waterman of the Thames. So interesting about how they were charged through the years with delivering the Crown to the Sovereign for the opening of Parliament each year. Wonderful pics too.

By: Julia Scaping

Julia Scaping — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 10:37:49 +0000

Thank you for your story of the boatyard. I’m delighted you have discovered the wonders of Twickenham and hope you come again to explore other places of interest (Strawberry Hill, Turner’s House, Marble Hill, Orleans Gallery …) and the foot ferry over to Ham.

By: Milo

Milo — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 09:59:32 +0000

Another cracking story of another fascinating life. Where DO you find these people?

By: Peter Holford

Peter Holford — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 09:06:46 +0000

Thank you for filling this huge gap in my local knowledge!

For me, as a teenager growing up in nearby Putney in the sixties Eel Pie Island meant only one thing – the Eel Pie Island Hotel and groups like the Rolling Stones, the Who and the Yardbirds (Eric Clapton’s band) before they all found fame. There was also the Crawdaddy a couple of miles away in Richmond where the Stones were the resident band. Happytimes and being 15 or so I had no interest in any history.

I think the hotel is long gone – probably fell down before it was demolished.

Times for a revisit – thanks for the prompt!