In 2018 I became obsessed with anything to do with the Thames Frost Fairs. In the distant past the Thames often iced over. This was due to the way old London Bridge was built. The River was then much wider and shallower than today, so in winter the arches of London Bridge (which were close together) became blocked with ice and this acted like a damn slowing the Thames and helping it to freeze over.
The first recorded Frost Fair was 1607/8 and the ice was thick enough for people to walk on from Southwark to the City. Between 1607 and 1814 there were seven major Frost Fairs, with smaller ones in other years.
A Frost Fair was a time for enjoyment for all. Tents were pitched, whole Oxen were roasted, entertainters performed, there was music and dancing and you could play skittles or skate. Traders set up stalls and sold various goods as well as food and drink. And where there is money there are also pickpockets. Of course there were accidents too, when the ice thinned and people, tents and buisnesses went down in the the icy water. I have provided two links to information about the Frost Fairs here and here.
When I found out that the Museum of London was running a river cruise on the theme of the frost fairs I was quick to book tickets. It was a lovely late afternoon trip with refreshments. We had onboard guides and were given printed photos and maps and information leaflets. The guides were happy to answer any questions. I even mades notes!
The cruise began at Westminster Pier and took us Greenwich via all the London landmarks like The Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and the O2. At Greenwich the boat turned around. At that point we went up on deck and braved the cold to enjoy the journey back in the dark. London looked lovely with all the lights on. I’m still obsessed with the Frost Fairs and have read novels set during those times as well as historical articles.
My London+ 