Overview
The Thames is the longest river entirely in England and the second-longest in the United Kingdom, with a length of approximately 346 kilometers. It rises at Thames Head in the Cotswolds of Gloucestershire and flows eastward through southern England, passing through Oxford, Reading, and London before emptying into the North Sea through its broad estuary.
Geography and Physical Features
The Thames passes through a series of distinct landscapes, including the rural Upper Thames Valley, the rowing town of Henley, and the densely urban London basin. The Thames Estuary widens significantly downstream of the city, and the river is tidal as far inland as Teddington Lock, about 105 kilometers from the open sea.
Significance
The Thames has been central to English and British history, serving as a Roman frontier, a medieval trade route, and the principal artery of the British Empire's commerce. The river has inspired countless writers and artists and remains a defining feature of London. The Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, and Big Ben all stand on its banks.
Notable Facts
The Thames Barrier, completed in 1982, protects London from tidal storm surges and is one of the largest movable flood barriers in the world. The river has been the route of the famous Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race since 1829. Over 200 known species of fish have been recorded in its waters since major cleanup efforts began in the 1960s.