Garrick's Ait (orGarrick's Eyot on Ordnance Survey maps), previously known asShank's Eyot, is anait in theRiver Thames in England on the reach aboveMolesey Lock, the nearest land beingMoulsey Hurst (park)[n 1] on theSurrey bank and the opposite bank being a much narrower riverside park ofHampton. It is the only island in theUnited Kingdom named after an actor.
It is 330 m upstream fromTagg's Island[n 2] which is more than twice the width and length. On the island are 20 houses, it being historically divided into 26 plots, but two of these, including the eastern tip, have always been trees and mooring space, respectively. Two of the approximately equal-sized plots, with few exceptions, have been combined into one. It is inaccessible except by boat.[1]
Garrick's Ait is named afterDavid Garrick, the actor whoseTemple to Shakespeare andVilla (house) are on the Hampton bank and as such is the only island in the country named after an actor. In common with most Thames islands near developed places, it became used for growing and harvestingwillow/weeping willow trees when they arrived in the country in the 18th century. Wood frompollarding could be used for cricket bats, paddles, ladders, gun stocks, crates and poles for fences. Harvested branches, calledosiers, are strong, flexible and resistant to rot – they were used for fish traps, basket making and for reinforcing riverbanks.[2]
| Next island upstream | River Thames | Next island downstream |
| Benn's Ait | Garrick's Ait | Tagg's Island |
| Districts | |
|---|---|
| Islands | |
| Railway stations | |
| Places of interest | |
| Places of worship | |
51°24′42″N0°21′37″W / 51.41167°N 0.36028°W /51.41167; -0.36028 (Garrick's Ait)
