 In 1872 the island was bought by a Richmond-based waterman named Joseph Glover for £70 (); advertising it for resale in 1895.Sir J. Whittaker Ellis, Charter Mayor of Richmond lived within view declined to buy it at £5000 () and suggested that the Richmond Corporation should be approached.The Amenities Committee considered the proposal on 2 April 1895 and decided – 

""That while the Committee think it desirable that the Island should be acquired for the Corporation if it could be obtained at a reasonable price, they are of the opinion that in view of the sum now named, it would be useless to enter into any negotiation for its purchase.""