Eel Pie Island - Eel Pie Island Commune

Eel Pie Island Commune

In 1969, the Eel Pie Island Hotel was occupied by a small group of local anarchists including illustrator Clifford Harper. By 1970 it had become the UK's largest hippie commune.

In 1971, the Eel Pie Island Hotel burned down in a mysterious fire. The centre of the island was devastated by fire in 1996, and a year later, the footbridge was damaged by a utilities contractor. A new footbridge opened in August 1998.

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Famous quotes containing the words pie, island and/or commune:

    Rice and peas fit into that category of dishes where two ordinary foods, combined together, ignite a pleasure far beyond the capacity of either of its parts alone. Like rhubarb and strawberries, apple pie and cheese, roast pork and sage, the two tastes and textures meld together into the sort of subtle transcendental oneness that we once fantasized would be our experience when we finally found the ideal mate.
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    The island dreams under the dawn
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    Softly now the light of day
    Fades upon my sight away;
    Free from care, from labor free,
    Lord, I would commune with Thee.
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