This small suspension bridge links Lower Sunbury Road to the westernmost (and most upriver) island on the Thames in London.
Platt’s Eyot, near Hampton water works, was primarily used for growing osiers, (willows), and since the bridge was built by the Royal Engineers in 1941 it has been linked to Hampton.
John Thornycroft set up the Hampton Launch Works on the island in about 1904, as an offshoot of the Chiswick boatyard he’d set up in the 1860s. Boatbuilding here focussed on cabin cruisers and speedboats. The success of his operations here led to the award of contracts from the Admiralty.
During WWII the boatyard was used to build motor torpedo boats, motor launches and landing craft. The island was bought by Port Hampton Ltd in 1960 which diversified the use of industrial space, and Thornycrofts closed boatbuilding operations when it was taken over by Vospers in the mid-1960s.
The existence of the bridge, and an available labour force on the north bank, resulted in transfer from Esher Urban District in Surrey to the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames in Greater London on April 1st 1970.
Platt’s Eyot has more than expected woodland and light industry, together with amenities including a café and public conveniences for workers and sailors. Many of the islet’s workshops and studio units lie empty today, although its moorings are mostly occupied.
Unfortunately, in 2021, the ex-industrial boat sheds there were destroyed by fire.
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