Bits and "BOB's"

A drop of rain falling into the Thames at its source (in the Cotswolds) will have been drunk by 8 people before it reaches the sea.

The Thames path follows the river for 184 miles from it's source, through rich and contrasting countryside before entering London where it end just a few miles from the sea

The Tidal Thames is now cleaner and healthier than it has been for nearly 200 years and supports a wide variety of wildlife. This thriving habitat supports 119 different species of fish.

The Thames foreshore is London's most extensive and valuable archaeological site - the river is the source of nearly 50% of all prehistoric finds in the London area.

3,000 tons of rubbish is removed from the Thames in London each year

396 sewage works all along the Thames, clean our sewage and return the treated water to the river

The oldest rowing race is probably the annual Doggett's Coat
   and Badge Race on the River Thames. Founded in 1715 by Thomas
   Duggett of the Drury Lane Theatre and run since 1721 by the
   Fishmonger's Company.

There is a town/city called London on all seven continents.

Thames doesn't rhyme with James- it is pronounced Tems.

The River Thames ‘Old Father Thames’

Liquid History, The Cities rich past stems from its river.

In AD 43 the Romans established the trading settlement of Londinium at a favourable crossing point on the river. The Romans remained until the 5th century, when the city came under Saxon control.
The Thames is not one of the world’s longest rivers – it is a mere 346 kilometers in length (215 miles) – but it is one of the most famous, and it is the longest and most important waterway in England. Roman writers mention it as the Tamesis, and the name is probably a Celtic word which means ‘broad river’.

This natural highway connects the North Sea to the heart of southern England. From its source in the gentle hills of the Cotswolds down to the mighty Thames Barrier of the estuary. It is a magnificent river and many places of interest lie on its banks (Eton, Oxford, Henley, Windsor, Hampton Court, Richmond). In London the river flows past the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London. Ocean tides move up the river to south-west London. The Thames is 250 yards wide (229 meters) at London Bridge and 700 yards (600 meters) wide at Gravesend. It widens until it joins the North Sea at the estuary.

When the tide falls, the foreshore – or river bed – is revealed, a neglected and unappreciated part of the river, whose mud and shingle conceals fascinating clues to London’s rich past. The river changes character many times as it flows to the nation’s capital: suburban gardens and parks rub shoulders with Georgian mansions.

In central London every foot of river has a tale to tell of former days – palaces, docks, cathedrals and churches and fine bridges all jostle for attention. Past London Bridge the river widens as it sweeps down to Greenwich, a town rich in naval tradition and maritime history

One of the most scenic ways to explore many of London's great landmarks is by Boat

	Bateaux London Restaurant Cruises Bateaux London's restaurant cruises are admired for their good food, relaxed atmosphere and spectacular river views. Whether cruising during the day or at night the restaurant cruises enable visitors to view the City from a total different perspective, incredible views encompassing the London Eye, Tate Modern, St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
Catamaran Cruisers Thames Circular Cruises	A 50 minute circular cruise from Waterloo Pier with live commentary in a choice of languages, the Thames Circular Cruise is perfect for those who wish to see London's best loved sights within a limited time. This tour, in a modern glass covered boat for uninterrupted river views, passes most of the famous landmarks which adorn the banks of the River Thames, including The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, County Hall, The London Eye, St Pauls Cathedral, The Tower of London, London Eye, Tate Modern, Cleopatra's Needle, Tower Bridge and the Thames Barrier.
Catamaran Cruisers Hopper Pass	Capture the excitement of the River Thames onboard Catamaran Cruisers sightseeing boats, spectacular views providing a whole new perspective on the magnificent City of London. Encompassing London's best-loved sights, our sightseeing tours provide an insight into the many layers of history that have built up along the river. The timelessly majestic Houses of Parliament, the elegant Dome of St Paul's Cathedral, and perhaps London's most precious antique the Tower of London are just a few of the historic sights that can be discovered.
Many of the key players in the history of England have lived on or around the Thames. For this reason, the poet, John Burns, describes the river as ‘liquid history’. It has inspired poets and playwrights. Take, for example, the poem of Wordsworth Lines written near Richmond, upon the Thames at Evening composed in 1790. Glide gently, thus forever glide, O Thames! that other bards may see, As lovely visions by thy side As now, fair river! come to me. Oh glide, fair stream! for ever so; Thy quiet soul on all bestowing, ‘Till all our minds forever flow, As thy deep waters now are flowing. It is clearly not Wordsworth’s best effort, but it captures one of the moods of the river. Much better his sonnet, written in September 1802, entitled Composed upon Westminster Bridge Earth has not anything to show more fair: Dull would he be of soul who could pass by A sight so touching in its majesty: This City now doth like a garment wear The beauty of the morning; silent, bare, Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie Open unto the fields, and to the sky; All bright and glittering in the smokeless air. Never did sun more beautifully steep In his first splendor valley, rock, or hill; Ne’er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep! The river glideth at his own sweet will: Dear God! the very houses seem asleep: And all that mighty heart is lying still! The huge number of famous buildings lining its banks in London gave rise to the description of the river as a string linking a series of pearls.