What role has the river Thames played in London’s development throughout history?

Question

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Answer 1

As Paragone said, this question covers a vast account of the history of London.

Briefly, London was born at a point where the Thames could be forded during the first century AD. It's the largest river in Britain fed by streams from Highgate, Hampstead and Camberwell. The Fleet, Tyburn and Westbourne ran into it; the Fleet serving as a foul ditch in later times - there's an engraving showing what it looked like.

The City of London began here, and building gradually began to expand westwards.

For hundreds of years the old London Bridge crossed it, covered with buildings and built on pontoons. The arches meant that the river was impeded, so boats which were navigated through had to negotiate difficult levels - it could be dangerous. It also meant that it slowed the river down so that it could freeze in winter. Many fairs were held on the ice in past centuries. Because there was only one bridge until the 18th century, one would cross by hiring one of the many boatmen to reach the pleasure gardens or the taverns and pleasures of the south bank. It was also used as a thoroughfare for many years; kings and queens would travel by barge from one palace to another (think Hampton Court and the Tower of London). Many times the Thames was ready for the defence of London; if the Armada sailed up the estuary, it would be faced with a boom across the river at Tilbury. And many ships set sail from there.

"To this city, from every nation that is under heaven, merchants rejoice to bring their trade in ships" wrote Fitz Stephen; in warehouses along the eastern part of the Thames were piled wool, cloth and corn, chief sources of England's wealth. There are still warehouses and even underground stations with names associating themselves with the import and export of cloth, coffee, sugar and goods from all over the world, and there are still some old warehouses left.

The Thames was a source of life, of wealth, food and a means of travel through the ages, and it still draws people by the great buildings situated on its banks, like the Houses of Parliament.

Answer 2

The association of gender specifics has been around since tribal times. I say tribal because rogue animal breeding is a separate culture unto itself. Dominance and packs are two things that we take for granted today. They're happening all around us every day. The idea of male and female jobs are merely archetypal. Females of tribes or families are tasked with minding the young, whatever species, as the males who are constantly fighting for the dominant or alpha position go out to bring home the bacon, sometimes literally. Tribes broke down this way because of instinctual, possibly genetic rules regarding survival and the perpetuation of the species. Yes, I just gave away the meaning of life: Breeding. If there are no babies, there's no biological tomorrow. To a point, females, who have the ability to give life, are tasked with the duty to raise to a point to participate in the tribe or group. Men go out to compete in various ways. The reason for this is totally obvious: The winners get to breed, which brings us to the meaning of life again. Why is sex such a big deal? It's awkward, some what disgusting if watched and yet it's something everyone freaks out about. The drive for it, the reason we all need it is genetic and instinctual. Women put on a guise to attract the men, usually requiring the removal rather than the addition of something at least in western culture. Men prove that they can bring more, do more and offer better genetic material than any other man for the woman's children. I hope that has explained a bit about the basic principals of human psychology, and your question about gender roles. Ponder these points and take a look around, it's pretty easy to see.

Answer 3

This is a vast question - which probably explains why no-one has answered it yet. Can I suggest other sites to look at online? You could try 'Thames' under one of the Britannica online editions. for a more fun way to do it, I suggest London Duck Tours: www.londonducktours.co.uk I went on one recently and learnt a lot. I have no connection with the company.

Answer 4

Try "The London Encyclopaedia" ISBN 0-333-57688-8

Answer 5

The Thames is the most famous river in the world. But how did it git its name?

When I did it acquire its notoriety? (Pronounced Temms)

At a guess, it was Celtic, before the English language ever existed. Before Latin as well, But probably Indo-European?

I will leave that to other researchers!

How many books could be written on the subject?

Answer 6

it's the big wet bit in the middle
you know how people build cities near rivers
if the thames had been elsewhere
london wouldn't be there
so in answering the question
it is responsable for london it has a 100% contribution to london
goodnight

Answer 7

Same as any other river with a large settlement like London.

Answer 8

Usually as with any river the role it plays is a wet one.

Answer 9

I didn't know there was a play called"London’s development throughout history" . Well you learn something every day.

Answer 10

It has a major role in the begining sequence of eastenders!