WhyWaitForever - London - Images of the River Thames

The River Thames is the heart of London. These pictures are taken from the banks and bridges of London walking downstream towards the sea. The river is one of the the best places to see the lights of London.

Tower Bridge from the south

Tower Bridge looking from the
south bank.

Tower Bridge from the north

Tower of London

The White Tower in the Tower of London

Guns and swords in the White Tower

River Thames North Bank

The north bank of the river
that defines London with a view from Waterloo towards St
Pauls.

Houses of Parliament

London Eye

River Thames South Bank

From Waterloo bridge the
Thames south bank stretches from the National Theatre, past
the Globe, past Tower Bridge to the sea.

Public Lighting

Gog and Magog were the last two survivors of a race of giants that inhabited Britain before Roman times. When they looked on a clear night to the skies over London they were greeted by millions of twinkling stars. Occasionally they might see the flicker from the odd tallow candle from one of the wattle and daub huts that made up the settlements. Flaming torches might have lit up revered objects or sites of veneration and admiration.

In 1414, King Henry V., wintered in Eltham, South London. He was concerned at the lack of lighting. In 1415, he ordered a lighted candle to be placed in a lantern at every door in the city of London during the winter months. From this rose the custom of lighting the streets.

In this reign flourished Sir Richard Whittington (1354 - 1423), "thrice Lord Mayor of London," who acquired great riches by trading in vessels called the Cat from whence arose the story of his remarkable adventures.

Over the centuries lights progressively became more ostentatious and more effective. Today a yellow orange glow from millions of artificial lights obscures the natural firmament. Stars can now be seen in planetariums but only during the day time opening hours.