River Thames frost fairs were held on the Tideway of the River Thames at London between the 15th and 19th centuries, during the period known as the Little Ice Age, when the river froze over. During that time the British winter was more severe than now, and the river was wider and slower.
During the Great Frost of 1683–84, the worst frost recorded in England, the Thames was completely frozen for two months, with the ice reaching a thickness of 11 inches (28 cm) in London. Solid ice was reported extending for miles off the coasts of the southern North Sea (England, France and the Low Countries), causing severe problems for shipping and preventing the use of many harbours. Near Manchester, the ground was frozen to 27 inches; in Somerset, to more than four feet.
Read more about River Thames Frost Fairs: Historical Background, The First Frost Fairs, Walking From Fulham To Putney, The Last Frost Fair, Modern Revival, Engraving, Years When The Thames Froze
Famous quotes containing the words river, thames and/or frost:
“The river knows the way to the sea;
Without a pilot it runs and falls,
Blessing all lands with its charity.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (18031882)
“Home! Yes! she would see Trafalgar Square, again; and Nelson on his plinth; and Chelsea Bridge as it dissolved into the Thames at twilight ... and St. Pauls, the single Amazon breast of her beloved native city.”
—Angela Carter (19401992)
“Mary sat musing on the lamp-flame at the table
Waiting for Warren.”
—Robert Frost (18741963)