Eyots and aits : islands of the River Thames /Miranda Vickers.

"For 10,000 years the River Thames has meandered from source to sea, periodically throwing up mudbanks, carving parallel channels on bends and creating islands along much of its length. There are around 190 of these islands altogether, some accessible by footbridge, some by road, while others, like Pharaoh's Island and Garrick's Ait, can only be reached by boat. Around forty-five are inhabited by small settlements, single houses or houseboats, while those islands uninhabited by people are often occupied instead by many rare species, and are official and unofficial nature reserves. Some Thames islands are directly connected to major historical events or famous personalities: Oliver's Eyot was reportedly a refuge for Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War, Lot's Ait was the unlikely setting for Humphrey Bogart's 1951 film "The African Queen", while the legendary Eel Pie Island played a key role in the developent of British popular music. These islands, known as "eyots" or "aits", form the backbone of the Thames, and in this fascinating and detailed book, Miranda Vickers considers their history and their role in helping us understand the way that this famous river has evolved."--Back cover.