RIVER THAMES INFORMATION AND HISTORY The River Thames
is the second longest river in the United Kingdom and the longest river entirely in England, rising at Thames Head in Gloucestershire, and flowing into the North Sea at the Thames
Estuary. It has a special significance in flowing through London, the capital of the United
Kingdom, although London only touches a short part of its course. The river
is tidal in London with a rise and fall of 7 metres (23 ft) and becomes non-tidal at Teddington Lock. The catchment
area covers a large part of South Eastern and Western England and the river is fed by over 20 tributaries. The river contains over 80 islands,
and having both seawater and freshwater stretches supports a variety of wildlife. The river has supported human activity from
its source to its mouth for thousands of years providing habitation, water power, food and drink. It has also acted as a major
highway both for international trade through the Port of London, and internally along its length and connecting to the British canal system.
The river’s strategic position has seen it at the centre of many events and fashions in British history, earning it
a description by John Burns as “Liquid History”. It has been a physical and political boundary over the centuries
and generated a range of river crossings. The river has had a special appeal to writers, artists, musicians and film-makers
and is well represented in the arts. Today the river has become a major leisure area supporting tourism and pleasure outings
as well as the sports of rowing, sailing and punting.
River Thames Events
The University Boat Race. The tradition was started in 1829
by Charles Merivale, a student at St John's College, Cambridge, and his schoolfriend Charles Wordsworth who was at Oxford. Cambridge challenged Oxford to a race in Henley on Thames. The second race occurred
in 1836, with the venue moved to be from Westminster to Putney. Over the next couple of years, there was disagreement over where
the race should be held, with Oxford preferring Henley and Cambridge preferring London. Cambridge therefore raced Leander Club in 1837 and 1838. Following the formation of the Oxford University
Boat Club, racing between the two universities resumed and the tradition continues to the present day, with the loser challenging
the winner to a re-match annually. Raceday Schedule:Isis Goldie Race - 1510 The Boat Race -
1540 Victory Parade - 1630 Viewing - From Putney to Mortlake
Head of the
River Race. The processional Head of the River Race involves
a staggering 420 eights, making it the largest continuous rowing event in the world - and the journey from Mortlake to Putney Bridge is certainly
no mean feat. For those not accustomed to rowing terminology, "processional" means that the boats start one after the other
at ten-second intervals, which in theory should mean that there is a continuous procession of boats from the start to the
finish of the race. But that doesn't mean that sweat, grit and determination are not involved. The Head of the River Race measures
a hardy four-and-a-quarter miles (6800m) from Mortlake to Putney, as opposed to the usual 1000m for a regatta and 2000m for
the Olympics, and usually takes a boat two hours in all to finish. The organisers of this heat say that the best view is from the north side of
Hammersmith
Bridge,
although it is advisable to check with local police on the day to see that the bridge isn't closed. The view from the Surrey
bank above Chiswick Bridge is also recommended.
Henley Regatta 30th June - 4th July 2010 Henley Regatta was first held in
1839 and has been held annually ever since, except during the two World Wars. Originally staged by the Mayor and people of
Henley
as a public attraction with a fair and other amusements, the emphasis rapidly changed so that competitive amateur rowing became
its main purpose. The 1839 Regatta took place on a single afternoon but proved so popular with oarsmen that the racing lasted
for two days from 1840. In 1886 the Regatta was extended to three days and to four in 1906. Since 1928 its increased popularity
meant entries exceeded the permitted numbers in several events, and so Qualifying Races are now held in the week before the
Regatta to reduce the number of entries to the permitted maximum. In 1986 the Regatta was extended to five days, with an increase
in the maximum entry for certain events. In recent times Henley
Regatta is a favourite date in the UK social season and is a popular Corporate Entertainment event on the River Thames.
Dogget's Coat and Badge Race The race started in 1715, and the following
appears from the books of the Company which are held at Watermen's Hall: "On the First of August, Thomas Dogget, comedian,
a great Whig in Politics, lately joint manager of Drury Lane Theatre for Wilks and Cibber, gave a coat and badge to be rowed
for by six Watermen in the first year of their Freedom." Doggett himself organised the race until his death in 1721, when he instructed
his executors to endow the race, which was to be managed by Mr Edward Burt of the Admiralty Office. Doggett's will set out
detailed particulars of the style and cost of the badge and livery and he laid down that the race was to be held each 1st
August forever. However, the race is now held in July the dates varying according to the tides. Mr Burt
was apparently unwilling to assume the burden laid on him by Doggett's will, and it was arranged that the executors should
pay over to the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers the sum of £300 and that that Company, which also added £50
to the fund, should henceforth carry out Thomas Doggett's instruction. The 2009 race date has not yet been
announced.
The Mayor's River Thames Festival 12th-13th September 2009 The Mayor’s
Thames Festival is a spectacular, free celebration of London and its river. Taking place over the middle weekend in September between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge, the festival
brings Londoners together in the very heart of the capital to dance, make sculptures, listen to music, watch movies, drink,
eat, enjoy performances, sing, play on the beach, sail on the Thames and party in the streets. Every year, tens of thousands of people thrill to the
sights and sounds of the extraordinary mid-river fireworks display that marks the end of the Thames Festival.
The fireworks are scheduled to fire from two barges positioned mid-stream in the River Thames between Waterloo and Blackfriars Bridges. There is good
viewing from Victoria Embankment and the two bridges.
New Years Eve River Thames FireworksNow an established tradition to welcome in the New Year, the fireworks display takes place near
the London Eye and can be viewed from bridges or from one of the many party boats offering New Years Eve Cruises.