Tagg's Island

Tagg's Island is a six-acre river island on the Thames between Bushy Park and Hurst Park in Hampton. The site features a central lagoon and connects to the Middlesex bank by a single-track road bridge.

The island was originally called Walnut Tree Ait before being renamed in 1850 when Francis Jackson Kent purchased it. The ownership change resulted in the displacement of families who worked in basket-making on the site.

The island served as a gathering place for writers and artists drawn to its riverside setting in the late 19th century. These creative visitors left their mark on how people think about and use the space today.

The island is the only car-accessible island on the non-tidal Thames and can be reached via the single-track bridge. Access may sometimes be limited due to the narrow bridge structure.

During World War II, AC Cars converted the former entertainment venue into a manufacturing facility. This transformation marked a shift from leisure and recreation to industrial production on the island.

GPS coordinates: 51.40889,-0.35222

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:58