Robinson Crusoe Alive and Well and Living On Chiswick Eyot

Pensioner claims to have been enjoying the freedom of the island for past six months

The original Robinson Crusoe may have been the figment of Daniel Defoe's imagination but it appears that Chiswick has its very own real life version.

The BBC has filmed 67 year old 'Nick' who claims he has been living on Chiswick Eyot in a tree house for the past six months enjoying the 'freedom' of the island.

A spokesman for the Hounslow Council which owns the island told the BBC: "Earlier this week the council sent representatives to the Chiswick Eyot island but were unable to find any evidence of any one living on the island."

The homeless 'Mr Nick' claims to have been educated at Westminster School and qualified as an architect.

Speaking of life on the island which is flooded daily, he said: "Things are now simple and uncomplicated. You don't have to go out and lock any doors. If most people had to choose between being here on an island and being in a bank or government office, they would say 'oh give me the island'".

The video can be seen here.

September 21, 2010