Father Thames

The book offers a descriptive and historical survey of the River Thames and its valley, organized in three sections covering the London river, the great city shaped by the river, and the upper reaches. It begins with geological origins and navigational features, then examines the estuary, marshes, docks, and riverside districts such as Woolwich and Greenwich. It traces urban development from Roman through Norman and medieval phases, discusses the first bridge, the Tower, the Great Fire, and riverside palaces, and surveys Westminster's riverside institutions. The final section follows the upper river through Oxford, Reading, Henley, Windsor, Eton, Hampton Court, Richmond and other towns, combining topography, local history and travel description, with maps and illustrations throughout.