Old Man River…..just keeps rolling along.
Since the dawning of man, Old Father Thames has been a constant companion, never emptying, always full, sometimes bursting the constraints of it’s banks…..it keeps flowing, endlessly, timeless.
view from the Golden Gallery of St Paul's Cathedral of the endlessly flowing River Thames
The Thames has been a source of food, a vital link in the trade of settlements, villages and towns along it’s long and winding route to the sea, a backdrop to centuries of history and life in southern England.
a source of trade through villages and towns along it's route to the sea
From it’s source in Gloucestershire the Thames charts a 215-mile (346km) course through the valleys and vales of southern England to it’s mouth at Southend, Essex. In contrast to London, where the river swirls and races, deep and dark, it is only a few inches deep and 6 feet wide just before the pictureque village of Cricklade. There are 214 bridges, over 20 tunnels, six public ferries and one ford.
Here in London you can make the most of the river by taking a river cruise with any number of charter companies in the capital.
the River Thames has been used to transport goods and people along it's route for centuries
Try the Duck Tour for a bit of fun by land and river. Take a ride between Richmond and Hampton Court Palace,
a rainbow over the Thames on the banks of the river between Richmond and Twickenham
a trip from central London to Greenwich, home of our illustrious city’s Maritime History.
I love living in a city where a river flows through it. From the first time when I stood on London Bridge back in March 2002, I have had an ongoing love of the river and London. It never ceases to amaze and delight me with it’s different moods; sometimes rushing , swirling and dark, others still and calm.
view of Tower Bridge from the Millenium Bridge near St Paul's Cathedral and Tate Modern
It flows endlessly, fascinating in it’s perpetuity. I recall flying into London one morning returning from a trip to South Africa, the sun was just over the horizon and the river sparkled like a silver thread through the still quiet city…. just incomparably beautiful.
I especially love the river at night when it is a dark, moody ribbon of black velvet, silently rushing by on its way to the sea.
this is absolutely one of my favourite photos of the river....
The Thames River is joined along it’s route by a number of smaller rivers; e.g. the River Effra at Vauhall
the point just before Vauxhall Bridge where the Effra river joins the Thames
Take a walk along the river at Southbank and experience the Thames beach at low tide
low tide on the river Thames.....
Whenever ever you visit, no matter the time of year and even if it is just for 3 days in London, you can always enjoy the Thames, viewing this magnificent river from many a vantage point.
“You can never step into the same river; for new waters are always flowing on to you.” Heraclitus of Ephesus quotes (Greek philosopher remembered for his cosmology, 540-480BC) #quote
