Brentford Aits

Brentford Ait has a gap in the middle known as Hog Hole which is apparent at higher tides.
In the 18th century there was a notorious pub on Brentford Ait called the Swan or Three Swans- its trade was ended in 1796.
The Swan Steps lead down to the river at the east end of the long and narrow riverside park, Waterman's Park, at the site of the crossing to this pub.
The ait was planted with trees in the 1920s to screen Brentford's gasworks from the view of Kew Gardens. The ait is covered by willows and alder and is a bird sanctuary with a significant heronry. For historic reasons unknown the parish of Kew in Surrey included Brentford in its history.

1758: A Description of The Thames, Binnell & Griffiths

... near to Old Brentford; the one, which is commonly called Brentford Eyght, is a very pleasant Spot of Ground, on which is a Publick House inhabited by a Fisherman, who, of late Years, has greatly improved this Spot, by making therein several Fish Ponds, and other Ornaments, for the more agreeable Reception of those who shall make use of his House; the other, which near adjoins to this, is planted with Oziers. These two Eyghts are situated rather on the Middlesex Side the River, notwithstanding they are in the Parish of Kingston, in the County of Surry.

you ... come to BRENTFORD, the Old and New, which is a considerable Market-Town, and through which is the great Road to the West, and lying so near London, has a considerable Trade, especially for Corn, both by Land and Water Carriage.

1859: The Thames, Mr & Mrs Hall

Brentford commences at the end of the walls of the park at Sion; but the greater part of the town is happily hidden by a long island thickly covered with trees. It is one of the most unpicturesque towns on the river, abounding in gas-works, factories, and distilleries; its streets presenting an appearance of dirt and neglect, heightened by alleys, the abodes of squalid poverty. A large part of the population are employed in the extensive market-gardens in the neighbourhood. The town takes its name from the small river Brent, which here flows into the Thames, rising in the adjoining county of Hertford, and pursuing a tortuous course through the centre of Middlesex. It is a small stream, but its junction with the Thames at an important locality led to the foundation, in very early times, of a village here, the establishment of a large nunnery on the opposite side of the ford materially aiding its growth.