In the 19th century, a large section of land was reclaimed, with sea walls constructed.
[4] The island is linked to the mainland by a 0.66-mile (1.06 km) causeway across a stretch of water known as the Wade, leading from the nearest village, Kirby-le-Soken, that can be walked with care at low tide.
[7] It has been intermittently inhabited, with evidence of buildings dating back to 1536 and appearing on a map in 1594 as Horsey Illande.
[3] Explorer and author David Haig-Thomas purchased the island in 1939 and lived there until called up to serve in the Second World War.
[13] The south eastern edge of the island is rich in birdlife and this inspired Paul Gallico to film the BBC's adaptation of his book The Snow Goose there.