Updates

The 900th anniversary of Reading Abbey’s foundation by Henry I is next June. Will we be able to walk into Reading from the Thames Path in June? Or up the Kennet from Horseshoe Bridge? Marooned at home during these winter months gives us an opportunity to discover more about the heritage along the river and […]

Anniversaries in 2021 include the tercentenary of Grinling Gibbons’ death. Sculptor and wood carver Gibbons is famous for his limewood foliage carving with cascades of lifelike flowers, fruit and leaves. His exceptionally delicate work is found in Hampton Court, Windsor Castle and Oxford as well as many London churches. He first came to notice when living in […]

This year is the 125th anniversary of the National Trust’s foundation and 400 years this autumn since John Evelyn was born. The virus has dampened planned celebrations. Indeed the NT is facing a financial and membership crisis. Last February, just as Covid was appearing, the National Trust joined in a tree planting morning in Deptford’s […]

Those living near Richmond in this difficult time may find it interesting to walk along the Thames Path. Until Friday Friday 27 November the weir and lock at Richmond are being left open to allow the water to drain down at low water on each tide. The annual Draw-Off period started on Monday and allows […]

A plan to turn Harrods Wharf into a “ferry port” has been submitted for planning approval. Wharf owner Jamie Waller is asking the London Borough of Richmond to approve a one-storey structure with “low level lighting and facilities for people of all abilities”. It is intended that “boats of all sizes” could use the wharf […]

Turner’s Modern World at Tate Britain, on riverside Millbank, presents a landmark exhibition dedicated to JMW Turner (1775-1851). The painter found new ways to record great events and changes as this exhibition of 150 works shows. Although many of the works belong to the Tate and at other times can often be viewed free it […]

It is good to see walkers on the completed Thames Path route at Wandsworth’s Riverside Quarter next to the Wandle entrance. The route from the Wandle Bridge to Wandsworth Park has long been confusing even before regeneration began. Walkers saw little of the river although they did pass the splendid Cat’s Back pub in Point […]

Two hundred years ago this morning John Keats left England for exile in Italy and death. On Sunday 17 September the poet embarked at Tower Dock, now Tower Pier, next the Tower of London. Across the water were Battle Bridge Stairs and Pickle Herring Stairs on the Bermondsey bank behind which Keats had spent time […]

At 4pm on Friday 4 September the Lord Speaker and Mr Speaker will be on the Palace of Westminster terrace for a delayed ceremony marking the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower sailing for America. An illuminated vellum scroll, a gift from the UK Parliament to the US House of Representatives, will be placed on a […]

The new owner of Harrods Wharf is offering its use for a temporary ferry service whilst Hammersmith Bridge remains closed. The dock, in front of the Thames Path at Barnes, was purchased last month by local businessman Jamie Waller. “Harrods Wharf was used in the past by large boats to drop off and pick up […]