The River Thames in London

The River Thames is England’s most famous river and historically its most important waterway.

A relatively small river, only about 346 kilometers long, its fame lies in its rich and varied history which was instrumental in the development and popularity of London.

The River Thames’ source starts in Cotswolds and ends at the lighthouse at Nore where it flows into the North Sea. There are several important cities on its banks, including London, Oxford, Richmond, and Windsor.

There are also many famous landmarks along its banks, including Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament (pictured above), London Bridge, Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, Hampton Court, London Eye, Windsor Castle, Tilbury Fort, and Richmond Park.

The River Thames has been the site of many pageants and great events. During the 17th and 18th centuries the river hosted Frost Fairs. These were fairs that took place on the frozen river. Attractions included various tents and stalls, food vendors, ox roasting barbeques, fairground amusements, performing animals, and ice bowling. The last and grandest Frost Fair was held in the winter of 1814. The replacement of the London Bridge meant that the river flowed better and faster and therefore didn’t freeze enough to hold the fairs.

In addition to the entertainment it provided, and more importantly, The River Thames had heavy traffic as an important trade and transport route. It opened London to international trade, bringing tea, silk, spices, timber, wool, sugar, iron ore and other items. This greatly contributed to the modern development of London. It also carried hundreds of smaller ferry boats that transported people across the river. At times the river was so busy that the traffic could not even move, and boats would wait for days at a time for an open dock.