Thames

The River Thames Book, now in its seventh edition, is the best-selling guide to the non-tidal Thames from Teddington to its source in Gloucestershire. This complete guide covers the Barrier to Cricklade with the River Wey, Basingstoke Canal and the Kennet & Avon Canal to Great Bedwyn. Chris Cove-Smith's updated text describes the navigation with support of clear and detailed mapping. The River Thames Book also lists in exhaustive detail the facilities to be found along each section of the navigation.

A beautifully illustrated introduction to mudlarking which tells the incredible, forgotten history of London through objects found on the foreshore of the River Thames. Often seen combing the shoreline of the River Thames at low tide, groups of archaeology enthusiasts known as 'mudlarks' continue a tradition that dates back to the eighteenth century. Over the years they have found a vast array of historical artefacts providing glimpses into the city's past. Objects lost or discarded centuries ago – from ancient river offerings such as the Battersea Shield and Waterloo Helmet, to seventeenth-century trade tokens and even medals for bravery – have been discovered in the river. This book explores a fascinating assortment of finds from prehistoric to modern times, which collectively tell the rich and illustrious story of London and its inhabitants - illustrated with and array of photographs taken of the items in situ in the mud and gravel of the Thames estuary, at the same time both gritty and glimmering.

Just as Peter Ackroyd's bestselling London is the biography of the city, Thames: Sacred River is the biography of the river, from sea to source. Exploring its history from prehistoric times to the present day, the reader is drawn into an extraordinary world, learning about the fishes that swim in the river and the boats that ply its surface; about floods and tides; hauntings and suicides; miasmas and malaria; locks, weirs and embankments; bridges, docks and palaces. Peter Ackroyd has a genius for digging out the most surprising and entertaining details, and for writing about them in the most magisterial prose; the result is a wonderfully readable and captivating guide to this extraordinary river and the towns and villages which line it.

The London Stone at Staines marks the ancient western boundary of the jurisdiction of the City of London. The Lord Mayor and Corporation’s conservancy of the Thames extended east from there as far as Yantlet in Kent. This is the stretch of the river documented in 'Liquid History'. Drawing on the resources of English Heritage’s unrivalled photographic archives, the book records a journey along the length of the tidal river and over almost 150 years. We see the rural Thames as it approaches London, riverside towns, the civic and commercial development of the riverbanks, the working docks and warehouses, the development of the web of bridges that now links north and south, barges, sailing ships and warships, the great flood defences and a tiny beach that flourished briefly at the Tower of London. Featuring the work of pioneers of photography and some of the great topographical photographers of the 20th century, and with a fascinating commentary by Stephen Croad, 'Liquid History' chronicles the ebb and flow of the life of the river.

The River Thames is an often undiscovered haven of stunning scenery, wonderful wildlife and brilliant natural beauty. As well as the famous stretches passing through our biggest cities and towns, there is a hidden side to the river - wild and natural, but surprisingly accessible. This guidebook, compiled by the two major Thames charities, contains a wealth of information on over 150 of the best places to explore the real Thames wilderness, along with enjoyable walks and activities along its course. Organised geographically, the book gives information on the history and character of each stretch of the river and the featured sites within it, travelling from source to sea. Illustrated with maps and photos, the text highlights which plants and wildlife to watch out for, activities you can do, how to get there and nearby moorings, cycle paths and car parks. Each section features a circular walk, tying together several of the sites and accompanied by an enchanting hand-drawn map. An essential source of ideas for days out and handy for on the go, Exploring the Thames Wilderness opens up the beauty of the Thames to everyone.

A groundbreaking, genre-bending new work from one of Canada’s most respected writers. In its long history, the River Thames has frozen solid forty times. These are the stories of that frozen river. And so opens one of the most breathtaking and original works being published this season. The Frozen Thames contains forty vignettes based on events that actually took place each time the river froze between 1142 and 1895. Like a photograph captures a moment, etching it forever on the consciousness, so does Humphreys’ achingly beautiful prose. She deftly draws us into these intimate moments, transporting us through time so that we believe ourselves observers of the events portrayed. Whether it’s Queen Matilda trying to escape her besieged castle in a snowstorm, or lovers meeting on the frozen river in the plague years; whether it’s a simple farmer persuading his oxen the ice is safe, or Queen Bess discovering the rare privacy afforded by the ice-covered Thames, the moments are fleeting and transformative for the characters — and for us, too. Stunningly designed and illustrated throughout with full-colour period art, The Frozen Thames is a triumph.

In this perfect companion to London: The Biography, Peter Ackroyd once again delves into the hidden byways of history, describing the river's endless allure in a journey overflowing with characters, incidents, and wry observations. Thames: The Biography meanders gloriously, rather like the river itself. In short, lively chapters Ackroyd writes about connections between the Thames and such historical figures as Julius Caesar and Henry VIII, and offers memorable portraits of the ordinary men and women who depend upon the river for their livelihoods. The Thames as a source of artistic inspiration comes brilliantly to life as Ackroyd invokes Chaucer, Shakespeare, Turner, Shelley, and other writers, poets, and painters who have been enchanted by its many moods and colors.

The Thames Gateway stretches from Canary Wharf to the mouth of the Thames Estuary and is the most ambitious regeneration programme in Western Europe; by 2016 the Government wants there to be 160,000 new homes and 180,000 new jobs, all provided in an environmentally sustainable fashion. This report examines whether central government has laid solid foundations for the scheme, if risks have been properly identified and whether they are being properly managed. The project is assessed against a framework for best practice for successful regeneration based on both NAO research and research by the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment. The Department for Communities and Local Government already recognise the need to strengthen the management of the programme and have recently appointed a Chief Executive to achieve greater cross government influence. This report contains eight key recommendations to help the Department address the key risks, improve management and strengthen the coherence of the overall programme.