Interesting Facts About The River Thames

Here are interesting things you may not know about the river Thames. London's River Thames has to be one of the most famous rivers in the world.  It is a huge part of the British capital's history. Here are some fascinating things you may not be aware of about the river Thame. The River Thames was the reason London was founded The original city was built at the bridging point of river Thames, which connect the marshes of Southwark to the north bank. This area is close to where the London Bridge sits. Back in the day, the river was shallower and much wider.  In 2013, a major discovery was made. An excavation in the area unearthed thousands of artefacts that included pottery, shoes, and letters. Fairs were a popular event when the River Thames froze In 1608, a fair was held when the river Thames froze for almost six weeks. Londoners would come out to play games and enjoy good food. Back in the day, the river froze more easily because the Thames moved much slower than it does today. However, the fair stopped when there were architectural and weather changes in the area. The construction of the Embankment caused the river to become much more narrow, which caused it to flow faster. The longest archaeological site in London is the River Thames There is a lot of grand history in and around the river Thames. Archaeologists and amateur archaeologists are often digging in the area attempting to make discoveries. A lot of them have been successful. Roman tiles, medieval clay pipes, Tudor shoes, and Iron Age shields are some of the ancient objects that have been discovered. Archaeologists have discovered structures that can be dated back to the Mesolithic period and the Bronze Age. The splendour of River Thames From its source at Trewsbury Mead in the Cotswolds, the river Thames flows for almost 215 miles. Its water levels vary and range from 15 to 22 feet between low and high tide. Tide tables help to govern the routines of those who earn a living on the water. Many Artists are inspired by the River Thames The river Thames has been the source of inspiration for many artists. American artist James McNeill Whistler depicted the river in many of his works. French artists such as Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, and James Tissot were also inspired by its waters.