What is the River Thames?

The River Thames is a major river which flows through the Thames Valley of Southern England. While this river pales in comparison with epic rivers like the Yangtze, the Nile, and the Mississippi, the River Thames has a very long and illustrious history, and it continues to play a critical role in modern Britain. Many visitors to England end up seeing the Thames, not least because it flows through the City of London, making it hard to miss when one flies into one of London's airports.

This river originates at the Thames Head, located near Kemble Village in Gloucestershire. It meanders for 215 miles (346 kilometers) through Southern England before it finally empties into the North Sea near London. Through the City of London to Teddington Lock, the Thames is tidal, rising and falling with the tides. Teddington Lock controls the tidal flow of the river, making it safer and more reliable for navigation.

Archaeological evidence suggests that human residents of Britain have been using the River Thames for transportation, food, and recreation for centuries. The modern name of the river is derived from its Celtic name, Tamesas, although the spelling and pronunciation of the river's name were not consistent until the 1700s. Although it may look like the river should be pronounced “tames,” it's actually “tehms.”

England's agriculture and shipping both rely on the River Thames, and the river continues to be very popular for recreation, with people sculling, punting, and engaging in other boating activities on the Thames. Several tour companies offer guided trips up the River Thames, allowing people to visit a number of sites of cultural and historic interest along the way and illustrating the river's rich history in English society.

At numerous points along its length, the River Thames can be crossed on bridges large and small. In London, the Tower Bridge and London Bridge are particularly famous, although a number of other bridges transit the Thames in London as well. Numerous sites in London also border on the Thames, such as the Tower of London, reflecting the fact that people used the river as a major mode of transit for much of Britain's history, and many people who live directly on the Thames still maintain boats for the purpose of navigation up and down the river.

Environmental conditions on the River Thames have varied considerably over the course of this river's long history. At one time, the Thames was used as a dumping ground for industrial and household waste, as happened with many other rivers around the world, and the Thames was also a breeding ground for disease. When London became more heavily populated, people began to recognize that the River Thames required better stewardship, and today the Thames is closely managed and cared for.

The River Thames begins its journey at Thames Head in Gloucestershire, England. It meanders through the English countryside, passing historic cities like Oxford and Windsor, before flowing through London, the capital city. Ultimately, it empties into the North Sea, having traversed 215 miles, making it the longest river entirely in England.

The River Thames has been a pivotal waterway throughout British history. It served as a major trade route during the Roman occupation and the British Empire, bolstering London's growth. The river has witnessed many historical events, including the signing of the Magna Carta at Runnymede near its banks in 1215, underscoring its importance to the nation's heritage.

The River Thames supports a diverse ecosystem. According to the Zoological Society of London, it is home to over 125 species of fish, such as the European eel and the flounder. The riverbanks also provide habitat for birds like kingfishers and herons, and mammals including otters have made a remarkable comeback in recent years.

Once heavily polluted, the River Thames has undergone significant rehabilitation. By the 1950s, parts of the river were declared biologically dead. However, concerted cleanup efforts have led to a dramatic improvement. Today, the Thames is one of the cleanest metropolitan rivers in the world, supporting a thriving ecosystem, as reported by the Environment Agency.

The River Thames boasts numerous iconic structures, including the Tower Bridge and the London Eye. The river is spanned by over 200 bridges, with the famous Tower Bridge being a symbol of London. Other notable crossings include the historic Westminster Bridge and the modern Millennium Bridge, each adding to the river's architectural diversity.

Recreational opportunities abound on the River Thames. Boating and rowing are popular activities, with events like the annual Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race drawing international attention. The Thames Path National Trail offers 184 miles of scenic walking and cycling routes. Additionally, angling enthusiasts can enjoy fishing in its waters, subject to local regulations.