London River: the secrets of the Thames

Almost everyone who visits London has seen the river that runs through the town center.

London's history cannot be complete without mentioning the River Thames.

Today, let's take a look at several facts you may not know about this waterway.

London River: article summary

London River: a river full of life

Despite the murky waters, the Thames is home to 119 species of fish. The river's fish include:

• Salmon
• The trout
• The eel

So don't be surprised to learn that some London restaurants get salmon and trout from the Thames.

In addition, some unconventional marine species can be seen roaming the waters. These include seals, porpoises and bottlenose dolphins.

England's longest river

The Thames is 346 kilometers long, making it England's longest river. It is also the second longest river in the UK after the River Severn.

London river: the Thames is millions of years old

According to scientists, the River Thames is 58 million years old. However, over these millions of years, ice ages and changes in sea level have changed the course of the river several times.

Thanks to this process, the river took its present course around 10,000 years ago. A very young river compared to other European rivers.

The Thames is divided in two

There are two sections of the Thames: one tidal and one non-tidal. There is a tidal stretch of 109 kilometers on the Thames between the river mouth and Teddington Lock.

The other side is the non-tidal section of the river stretching from Teddington Lock to Thames Head in Gloucestershire.

London river: the many bridges crossing the Thames

The Thames is crossed by more than 200 bridges in various locations. Visit London BridgeWestminster Bridge and Tower Bridge are among the most famous bridges crossing the River Thames.

However, London Bridge collapsed several times during the Middle Ages and, after Viking attacks in the 11th century, only London Bridge was left standing. was used to cross the Thames in London.

Visitors wishing to explore London's iconic bridges can book a stay at one of the hotels near Paddington station in London.

The first historical information about the River Thames comes from Julius Caesar

The Roman soldier and politician Julius Caesar was one of the first to write about the River Thames. During Caesar's expedition to Britain in 54 BC, he mentioned the Thames as being difficult to cross.

He also found Celtic tribes living along its shores. These writings have the capacity to astonish the Romans of the time and delight historians. Indeed, it gives us an idea of what life was like along the river in ancient times.

London River: the temporary home of a polar bear

A polar bear was presented to King Henry III of Norway in 1251 as an unusual gift. Henry's polar bear could be seen swimming and splashing in the Thames on warm days at the Tower of London.

A watercourse that supplies the town with drinking water

The River Thames supplies two-thirds of London's drinking water. However, this does not make consumption safe without a filtering process.

London's river has been an indispensable part of the city for centuries. During your trip, you'll probably come into contact with this place, so don't forget to take a moment to contemplate this thousand-year-old place.

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