River Thames

The River Thames is a famous river that flows through southern England, including the big city of London. It is the longest river that stays entirely within England and the second-longest in the United Kingdom, after the River Severn.

The river starts at Thames Head in Gloucestershire and travels all the way to the North Sea near Tilbury, Essex and Gravesend, Kent. Along the way, it passes through many towns and cities, such as Oxford, where it is sometimes called the Isis, Reading, Henley-on-Thames, and Windsor. The Thames also flows through Greater London.

The lower part of the river, called the Tideway, is affected by the tides of the sea. This part of the river goes right through London and has a rise and fall of about 23 feet (7 meters). The Thames is home to many islands and wildlife, and parts of it are protected for their special nature.

Name

The River Thames has had many names throughout history. In ancient Brittonic language, it was called Tamesas, which might mean "dark". This name shares roots with other rivers in Britain.

In Latin, the river was known as Tamesis. Over time, its name changed in different languages and periods. Today, most people just call it the Thames. However, in Oxford, part of the river is sometimes still called the Isis. This older name may come from the same root as Tamesis.

The Thames’ name appears in many places and organizations, like the Thames Valley and Thames Water.

History

People have lived near the River Thames for a very long time. You can still see old bridges, watermills, and even burial mounds from long ago along the river.

Over many years, people changed the river so that it flows deeper and wider. This helps protect the land where many people live and work. The Thames has been very important for trade and travel, especially through the Port of London. It has also been the center of many important events in British history.

The river connects to other rivers through canals, like the Kennet and Avon Canal and the Grand Union Canal. People enjoy activities like rowing, sailing, kayaking, and canoeing on the Thames. Big events such as the Henley Royal Regatta and the Boat Race are held there. The Thames has also been a place for Olympic rowing and canoeing in the past. Some safe parts of the river are used for swimming during the summer.

Main article: Embanking of the tidal Thames

Main article: Malaria in the River Thames

Course

The River Thames is a famous river that flows through southern England. It is the longest river entirely in England, stretching 215 miles (346 km). The river begins at Thames Head in Gloucestershire and flows into the North Sea near Tilbury and Gravesend.

The Thames passes through many towns and cities, including Oxford, Reading, Windsor, and London. In London, the river winds through the city, passing famous landmarks like the Palace of Westminster and the Tower of London. The river also flows past islands such as the Isle of Sheppey and Canvey Island.

The usual source of the Thames is at Thames Head, close to the village of Kemble in Gloucestershire. Sometimes, Seven Springs near Cheltenham is also considered a source because it adds length to the river. The springs at Seven Springs flow year-round, while those at Thames Head are seasonal.

With a length of 215 miles (346 km), the Thames is the longest river entirely in England. If measured from Seven Springs, the river becomes even longer at 229 miles (369 km). The Thames flows through many places such as Ashton Keynes, Cricklade, Lechlade, Oxford, Abingdon-on-Thames, Wallingford, Goring-on-Thames, Streatley, Pangbourne, Whitchurch-on-Thames, Reading, Wargrave, Henley-on-Thames, Marlow, Maidenhead, Windsor, Eton, Staines-upon-Thames, Egham, Chertsey, Shepperton, Weybridge, Sunbury-on-Thames, Walton-on-Thames, Molesey, and Thames Ditton.

In Greater London, the river passes Hampton Court Palace, Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, Teddington, Twickenham, Richmond, Syon House, Kew, Brentford, Chiswick, Barnes, Hammersmith, Fulham, Putney, Wandsworth, Battersea, and Chelsea. In central London, the river runs from Pimlico and Vauxhall to the Palace of Westminster and the Tower of London. South of central London, the Thames continues through Bermondsey, Wapping, Shadwell, Limehouse, Rotherhithe, Millwall, Deptford, Greenwich, Cubitt Town, Blackwall, New Charlton, and Silvertown. It then flows through the Thames Barrier before passing Woolwich, Thamesmead, Dagenham, Erith, Purfleet, Dartford, West Thurrock, Northfleet, Tilbury, and Gravesend, finally entering the Thames Estuary near Southend-on-Sea.

Sea level

The sea level in the Thames estuary is rising, and the rate of rise is increasing.

Studies show that over the past 10,000 years, the sea level in the Thames has risen more than 30 meters. The rise was fastest about 6,000 to 10,000 years ago but slowed as glaciers melted. Since the early 1900s, the sea level has been rising at a rate between 1.22 mm and 2.14 mm each year.

Catchment area and discharge

The Thames River Basin District covers an area of 6,229 square miles (16,130 km²). The area is mostly rural in the west and urban in the east. The Thames provides two-thirds of London's drinking water, with groundwater supplying about 40% of the water in the area. Protecting groundwater quality is very important because it is a key water source, especially in dry months.

Non-tidal section

Brooks, canals, and rivers in an area of 3,842 square miles (9,951 km²) feed 38 main tributaries into the Thames between its source and Teddington Lock. This is usually where the river stops being affected by tides, though high tides can sometimes push tidal effects further upstream. Before Teddington Lock was built in 1810–12, tides could reach as far as Staines upon Thames.

The non-tidal section of the river includes tributaries like the Churn, Leach, Cole, Ray, Coln, Windrush, Evenlode, Cherwell, Ock, Thame, Pang, Kennet, Loddon, Colne, Wey, and Mole. There are also many backwaters, artificial cuts, and canals such as the Oxford Canal, Kennet and Avon Canal, and Wey Navigation.

The Jubilee River, an artificial channel built for flood relief between Maidenhead and Windsor, was completed in 2002.

The Environment Agency manages the non-tidal section to control water flow, prevent flooding, and support navigation. Flooding of inhabited areas is sometimes unavoidable, and the agency issues flood warnings when needed.

Tidal section

Below Teddington Lock, about 55 miles (89 km) upstream of the Thames Estuary, the river is affected by tides from the North Sea. Before the lock was built, tides reached as far as Staines, about 16 miles (26 km) upstream. London was founded on hills at the lowest point on the Thames, where a river crossing was built at London Bridge. High tide at Putney occurs about 30 minutes after London Bridge, and Teddington about an hour later. The tidal part of the river is called the Tideway, and tide tables are published by the Port of London Authority.

Tributaries on the Tideway include the Crane, Brent, Wandle, Ravensbourne, Lea, Roding, Darent, and Ingrebourne. The water in this part of the river is slightly salty due to a mix of sea and fresh water.

The Port of London Authority manages this part of the river. The flood threat comes from high tides and strong winds from the North Sea, and the Thames Barrier was built in the 1980s to protect London.

The Nore is a sandbank marking the mouth of the Thames Estuary where it meets the North Sea. It is halfway between Havengore Creek in Essex and Warden Point on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent. Until 1964, it marked the limit of the Port of London Authority. Because it was a hazard to ships, the world's first lightship was placed there in 1732. Today, it is marked by Sea Reach No. 1 Buoy.

Islands

The River Thames has over 80 islands, ranging from large marshlands like the Isle of Sheppey and Canvey Island to small tree-covered islets such as Rose Isle in Oxfordshire and Headpile Eyot in Berkshire. These islands are found from Fiddler's Island in Oxfordshire to the Isle of Sheppey in Kent. Some large inland islands, like Formosa Island near Cookham and Andersey Island at Abingdon, were created naturally when the river split into separate streams.

In the Oxford area, the river divides into several streams, creating islands such as Fiddler's Island and Osney. Islands like Desborough Island, Ham Island at Old Windsor, and Penton Hook Island were made by lock cuts and navigation channels. Chiswick Eyot is famous as a landmark on the Boat Race course, and Glover's Island offers a view from Richmond Hill.

Islands with historical importance include Magna Carta Island at Runnymede, Fry's Island at Reading, and Pharaoh's Island near Shepperton. More recently, Platts Eyot at Hampton was where Motor Torpedo Boats were built, Tagg's Island near Molesey was linked to entertainer Fred Karno, and Eel Pie Island at Twickenham was important for the South East's R&B music scene.

Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster (the Houses of Parliament) were built on Thorney Island, which was once an island in the river.

Geology

See also: Ancestral Thames

Researchers believe the River Thames has been flowing for as long as 58 million years ago, during a time called the Thanetian stage. Before around 500,000 years ago, the river followed a different path through what is now Oxfordshire. It then turned northeast through Hertfordshire and East Anglia, finally reaching the North Sea near today’s Ipswich.

About 450,000 years ago, during a very cold time called the Ice Age, large glaciers reached as far south as Hornchurch in east London. This blocked the river in Hertfordshire, creating huge lakes that burst and changed the river's path to its current route through London. The glaciers also left behind thick layers of soil and created valleys like the Brent Valley.

During the last Ice Age, around 20,000 BC, Britain was connected to Europe by land called Doggerland. The Thames did not flow to this area but instead moved south from Essex, joining other rivers that flowed through what is now the Dover Strait into the Atlantic Ocean.

Wildlife

The River Thames is home to many kinds of birds. You can see cormorants, black-headed gulls, and herring gulls near the water. The famous mute swan often swims in the river, while the rarer black swan is seen less often. Every year, people count the swan families in a special event called Swan Upping.

Other birds you might spot include Canada geese, Egyptian geese, and bar-headed geese. Ducks such as the native mallard and the pretty Mandarin duck also live there. The river has many water birds like the great crested grebe, coot, moorhen, heron, and kingfisher.

The Thames has both sea water and fresh water, which means many types of fish live there. Salmon have been brought back to the river, and special pathways called fish ladders help them swim upstream. Other fish include brown trout, chub, dace, and roach. Recently, tiny short-snouted seahorses and small sharks were found in the river too.

The river is also a home for sea animals. Up to 700 grey and harbour seals live in the area where the river meets the sea. Sometimes, bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises can be seen swimming by.

Human history

The River Thames has been very important throughout history. It has been used for travel, trade, food, and even as a place for fun activities. People have lived along the river since very old times, even before written history.

The river has been a key part of London’s growth. Ancient Romans built bridges and forts along the Thames when they came to Britain. During the Middle Ages, kings built castles and palaces beside the river. Later, during the Victorian era, the river became very dirty because of waste from the growing city of London. People worked hard to clean the river, and today it is much healthier for animals and plants.

The active river

One of the main uses of the Thames is for providing drinking water. Thames Water, a company, uses the river to supply water to people living along its path. The main way they move water around London is through a big loop called the Thames Water Ring Main, connecting several water treatment places.

In the past, people used the Thames for many activities like fishing, cutting down trees for baskets, and powering mills to make flour or paper. Today, many homes and even some boats are found along the riverbanks, especially around Brentford and Tagg’s Island.

Transport and tourism

Tidal river

In London, many people enjoy boat tours to see famous spots like the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London. Regular boat services are organized by London River Services, and London City Airport is located on the Thames.

Upper river

People love to spend time on the river for fun and sports. This has created many businesses like boat builders and marinas. In summer, special boat trips run from Oxford to Teddington, operated by companies like Salters Steamers and French Brothers.

Cable car

The London Cable Car flies over the Thames from Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks. It started during the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Police and lifeboats

The river is watched over by several police teams, including the Thames Division of London’s Metropolitan Police. There are also lifeboat stations along the river to help anyone in trouble.

Navigation

The Thames is kept open for boats from the sea all the way to Lechlade, and for very small boats even further. Many locks help control the river’s flow, and there are rules about how fast boats can go.

The tidal part of the river, near London, is busy with big ships bringing goods. There are many places where ships can stop to load and unload things like cars, food, and oil.

As a boundary

Long ago, the Thames was a big barrier that separated different groups of people. When counties were created in England, the river often marked their borders. Today, many bridges and tunnels cross the Thames, making it easier for people to travel across.

Crossings

Many bridges and tunnels now cross the Thames. Some are very old, like London Bridge, while others are modern, like the Dartford Crossings. Before bridges were built, people used ferries to cross the river. Some ferries still operate today, like the Woolwich Ferry.

Hydro-power

Recently, people have started using the river’s natural flow to create electricity. Small power plants have been built at places like Mapledurham Watermill and Romney Lock to generate clean energy.

Pollution

The River Thames faces challenges with water pollution. Treated waste water from towns and villages flows into the river through special plants. However, during heavy rain, untreated sewage sometimes flows into the river. This happens more often than it used to and harms fish and water quality.

A big project called the Thames Tideway Scheme was built to help. It collects sewage from London and sends it through a tunnel to a treatment plant. This should greatly improve the river's water quality.

The river also has mercury, a harmful metal, especially near central London. Levels have gone down in recent years due to better environmental rules.

Plastic pollution is another issue, with many tiny pieces of plastic, called microplastics, moving through the river. These come from broken-down items and products like cosmetics.

Sport

The River Thames is a popular place for water sports, with many clubs helping people take part in races and competitions.

Rowing

Main article: Rowing on the River Thames

The Thames has been an important place for rowing in the United Kingdom for a long time. There are over 200 rowing clubs along the river, and many people join British Rowing. Famous towns for rowing include Oxford and Henley-on-Thames. Two big rowing events are the University Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge, and the Henley Royal Regatta in Henley-on-Thames. There are also many other rowing races held on the Thames.

Sailing

Main article: Sailing on the River Thames

People also enjoy sailing on the Thames, both where the river is affected by tides and where it is not. Popular boats include lasers, GP14s, and Wayfarers. A special boat called the Thames Rater is only sailed on the Thames.

Skiffing

Skiffing is less common now, but some people still race skiffs in the summer. There are clubs and races for skiffing from Teddington upstream.

Punting

Punting on the Thames is both a fun activity and a competition, using narrower boats than on other rivers.

Kayaking and canoeing

Main article: Kayaking and canoeing on the River Thames

Many people enjoy kayaking and canoeing on the Thames. Some use the tidal part of the river for tours, while others race or go on trips along the river. There are places to practice whitewater kayaking and canoeing at locks like Hurley Lock, Sunbury Lock, and Boulter's Lock. The very old Royal Canoe Club is located at Teddington. Every year around Easter, canoeists race from Devizes to Westminster Bridge.

Swimming

In 2006, a swimmer completed the whole length of the Thames to raise awareness about drought conditions in England. Since 2012, swimming in parts of central London needs special permission because of safety concerns. Organised swimming events happen upstream of Hampton Court, such as in Windsor, Marlow, and Henley. In 2011, a comedian swam a long distance on the Thames to raise money for charity.

Meanders

A "Thames meander" is a long journey along the river, which can be done by running, swimming, or using other water activities. People often do this for fun, records, or challenges.

The Thames in the arts

Visual arts

The River Thames has inspired many artists over the years. Famous artists like Canaletto, J. M. W. Turner, Claude Monet, and James Abbott McNeill Whistler have all created works featuring the Thames. In the 20th century, Stanley Spencer made many paintings in Cookham.

John Kaufman’s sculpture The Diver: Regeneration sits in the Thames near Rainham.

The river and its bridges appear in the film Independence Day 2, shown as being destroyed along with much of London.

Aerial views of the Thames between Rotherhithe and Woolwich on the south bank and Shadwell and Beckton on the north bank open and close each episode of the soap opera EastEnders.

Literature

The Thames appears in many books, diaries, and poems. It plays a big role in three important works:

Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome, first published in 1889, tells a funny story about a boating trip on the Thames between Kingston and Oxford. The book started as a serious travel guide but became humorous.

Charles Dickens’ Our Mutual Friend (written in 1864–65) shows the river in a darker way. It begins with a person pulling a body from the river near London Bridge, and ends with bad characters drowning in Plashwater Lock. Dickens describes the river and its people very accurately.

Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows, written in 1908, is set along the middle and upper parts of the river. It starts as a fun story about characters enjoying boats but becomes a deeper tale with adventure and thoughts about life. It is a beloved children’s book.

The Thames is in many other books set in London. Most of Dickens’ novels include the river. The Sherlock Holmes stories by Arthur Conan Doyle often visit areas along the river. In Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, the calm Thames is compared to the wild Congo River. Conrad also describes the view of London from the Thames Estuary in his essays.

In poetry, William Wordsworth wrote a sonnet called On Westminster Bridge that ends with calming lines about the river. T. S. Eliot mentions the Thames in The Waste Land.

Other poets who wrote about the Thames include Edmund Spenser, Matthew Arnold, Wendy Cope, and Dylan Thomas.

Music

The river inspired many musical pieces. George Frideric Handel composed Water Music in 1717 for a concert on the Thames for King George I.

Songs about the Thames include "Old Father Thames" recorded by Peter Dawson and Gracie Fields. Jessie Matthews sings "My river" in the 1938 film Sailing Along.

The song "London Calling" by the Clash includes the line "live by the river."

Two songs by the Kinks, "Waterloo Sunset" and "See My Friends", refer to the Thames. Ray Davies also writes about the river in his song "London Song.

Ewan MacColl’s "Sweet Thames, Flow Softly" is a sad love song set on the river. Culture Club travel the Thames in their video for "Karma Chameleon". Imogen Heap wrote a song called "You Know Where To Find Me" from the viewpoint of the River Thames.

Major flood events

London flood of 1928

Main article: 1928 Thames flood

In January 1928, a big flood happened along the River Thames in London. The water rose so high that it went over walls built to keep it back. Many people lost their homes, and it was the last big flood in central London. This event helped people decide to build better ways to stop floods, which finally led to the Thames Barrier being made in the 1970s.

Thames Valley flood of 1947

Main article: 1947 Thames flood

In March 1947, a very serious flood happened along the River Thames. Heavy rain and snow caused the river to overflow, and it damaged many places. The flood was made worse because some locks had been damaged during war. Since then, there have been other notable floods in 1968, 1993, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, and 2014.

Canvey Island flood of 1953

Main article: Canvey Island

On the night of January 31, a powerful flood from the North Sea hit Canvey Island. Many people had to leave their homes, and the island is now protected by strong sea walls. The area that was most affected was lower down, while the small village, being a little higher, was not as badly hit.