The Thames is a lifeline that intertwines with city life, serving as the artery of one of the world's greatest cities. For over 2,000 years, the Thames has shaped London's history and development, acting as a conduit for power, culture, trade, and finance while also bringing floods, wars, plagues, and pollution.
This book captures the rich history of the Thames through stunning sketches and detailed histories of the evolving structures and buildings that line its banks and span its waters, weaving together a unique narrative of power, pride, and pestilence.
The author offers personal insights and views of his sketch journey along The Thames Path. With histories, stories and anecdotes, all of which accompany the stunning sketches in colour and black and white, this is a beautiful souvenir of London for visitors and residents.
The Walks
Hampton Court Bridge to Kingston
.A leafy Park walk past Hampton Court Palace, through Hampton Court Park past Ravens Ait to Kingston Bridge
North Bank
4.58 km - 2.85 miles
Kingston Bridge to Richmond Bridge
Follow the Tow Path Past Historic Homes and Houses. Teddington Lock is where the Tidal River Ends. Eel Pie Island has a rich musical past.
South Bank
7.25 km - 4.5 miles
North Bank
7.82 km - 4.85 miles
RICHMOND Bridge to Kew Bridge
Richmond is one of the jewels of Greater London. Once a centre of Royal patronage, it attracted the wealthy and well-to-do who built their home here. A small diversion will take you to its fabulous Georgian Green.
Kew Gardens should not be missed, (you have to pay to get in).
Syon house and Isleworth are well worth the walk. Brentford is currently changing rapidly with massive new developments and a new premiership club.
South Bank
4.75 km - 2.95 miles
North Bank
6.64 km - 4.10 miles
Kew bridge to Hammersmith Bridge
The South Bank walk along the tow path is a peaceful, quiet stroll shared with joggers, cyclists and dog walkers. There are plenty of great places, on both sides of the river, to watch the boat race.
The latter section on the North bank is packed with lovely riverside pubs.
South Bank
6.14 km - 3.81 miles
North Bank
7.26 km - 4.50 miles
Hammersmith Bridge to Wandsworth Bridge
The walk along the tow path from Hammersmith, on the south side, feels, for the most part, relatively natural and rural, as you cross Beverley Brook into Putney you find yourself in the heart of Londons Rowing community.
The walk on the north side is diverted by The Hurlingham Club, but has recently improved with access on the river side of Craven Cottage. Should you ever go to a match at Fulham Football Club, I highly recommend the walk, from either Putney Bridge or from Hammersmith Bridge.
South Bank
5.29 km - 3.28 miles
North Bank
5.70 km - 3.54 miles
Wandsworth Bridge to Chelsea Bridge
Chelsea formed strong connections for writers and artists. From J M W Turned to Whistler from George Eliot to Mick Jagger. Cheyne walk gives way to Chelsea Physic Garden and The Royal Hospital Chelsea.
The South bank is relatively dull, architecturally until you reach Battersea and one of London’s wonderful parks, Battersea Park.
South Bank
4.18 km - 2.59 miles
North Bank
3.97 km - 2.46 miles
Chelsea Bridge to Westminster Bridge
The north bank takes you from the arts to political power.
The South bank takes you from Power to Palace via intrigue.
South Bank
4.26 km - 2.65 miles
North Bank
3.43 km - 2.13 miles
Westminster Bridge to Blackfriars Bridge
The West End is connects to the Southbank.
From the cultural to culinary, the contemporary to the curious.
South Bank
1.63 km - 1.01 miles
North Bank
2.09 km - 1.29 miles
Blackfriars Bridge to Tower Bridge
This very urban section of the river is steeped in history, both ancient and modern.
The North bank is locked into the City of London, culminating in the Tower of London.
The South bank moves through the contemporary and the modern to the regenerated and the ancient.
Both full of London icons.
South Bank
2.18 km - 1.35 miles
North Bank
2.47km - 1.53 miles