- Eel Pie Island is a small island on the River Thames in England, located between Twickenham and Hampton.
- It was named after the eels that were caught in large numbers in the river near the island.
- The island has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of Roman settlements, and was later used as a hunting ground by Saxon and Norman kings.
- In the 18th century, Eel Pie Island became a popular destination for pleasure boaters and fishermen.
- In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the island was home to a number of entertainment venues, including a casino, dance hall, and music hall, which attracted such famous performers as Charlie Chaplin, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones.
- In the 1920s, Eel Pie Island became a center for the bohemian arts community in London, with many artists and writers establishing studios on the island.
- During World War II, Eel Pie Island was used as a base for the Royal Air Force, and later as a prisoner-of-war camp.
- After the war, the island was converted into a residential area, and today is home to around 1,000 people.
Thames
- The River Thames is the longest river in England and the second-longest in the United Kingdom.
- It flows through southern England from the Cotswold Hills near Cirencester to the North Sea at the Isle of Grain in Kent.
- The Thames is approximately 215 miles long and its drainage basin covers an area of 12,000 square kilometers.
- It has been an important waterway since prehistoric times and was used by the Romans, Saxons, and Normans for trade and communication.
- The Thames has played a significant role in British history, including being a major center for the Industrial Revolution and the home to the Palace of Westminster, the Houses of Parliament, and the Tower of London.
- The river is also a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities.