30 Million Years Old

The history of the River Thames goes back over thirty million years. At this time, the United Kingdom was not an island, so the Thames was a tributary of the great European river, the Rhine.

The earliest traces of human activity go as far back as 3300 B.C, a time known as the Bronze Age. Numerous artefacts from this time, including a decorated bowl, have been found in the Thames. Other historic marks include old bridges, watermills, and prehistoric burial mounds.

Due to its location, the Thames was considered extremely important to Britain. Over the centuries, it served as a vital route for international trade and military operation, requiring fierce protection from the threat of invasion. The Romans were among the earliest settlers to build military fortifications along the river, most famously at the Tower of London.

In later years the river side gained a reputation for being a popular place for picturesque palaces. The Tudors were particularly fond of their palaces at Richmond, Greenwich, and Hampton Court.