The river Thames has a chequered colourful history. Thirty million years the Thames was a branch of the Rhine in Germany as Britain was not an Island back then. In the Ice Age (10,000 years ago) it changed course and went through a place called the Goring Gap in the Chilterns. The Thames was then 10 times the size it is now and fuelled by melting ice sheets. In the 17th and 18th Centuries, when the river froze over, ‘Frost Fairs’ held on the itself. Barbecues, stalls, fairground amusements, and performing animals were all of the fun. The last fair was held 1831. During the 18th Century, London became busiest trading port in the world. Often called ‘Old Father Thames’, it is 215 miles long and in the Cotswolds and runs through to its estuary at Southend. Downstream of Teddington it becomes tidal, the ‘wrong way’ up the estuary. Over 7 million people depend on the river for their drinking water. Sometimes Londoner’s use so much water that it can the flow over Teddington to a mere trickle. In total there are over 40 locks 106 bridges. There are many different types of boats that exist on the river today. Houseboats are one kind, which many people live in. Many of these are brightly decorated flowers. There is a good community spirit houseboat owners. Touring and leisure cruises go up and down stream carrying many London tourists. Boats even be hired out privately for special events. There exciting future plans to extend passenger services on the river such as the one that will go from Waterloo Millennium Pier Greenwich. There will also be a new passenger Pier, making a link Tate Modern Tate Britain, which will be built at Millbank. It be called Millbank Millennium Pier, and is to open in the Autumn of 2002. The river Thames flows through the heart of London and has a rich and varied history. Without it London would be the city it is today. There may be nothing better than taking a stroll along its banks and soaking its beautiful and timeless scenery.