GALLERY: When was last time the Thames froze over?

By The Editor

26th Aug 2021 | Local News

Parts of the Thames froze over this week as temperatures plunged to -2C while Storm Darcy - dubbed 'The Beast of the East 2' swept through the country.

But though rare, it's not the first time the Thames has completely frozen over in the past, the last time being in January 1963 – the coldest winter for more than 200 years that brought blizzards, snow drifts and temperatures of -20C.

Even some parts of the sea froze over in what is believed to be the coldest winter since 1740.

Prior to this, the sight of the Thames freezing was a much more regular occurrence as Britain experienced a 'little ice age.'

The ice covering the river was so thick it could support shops, pubs, fairground rides, blazing fires as well as tens of thousands of revellers.

The first 'frost fair' as they were known was recorded in 1608 when the river iced up for six weeks. The last fair took place over 200 years later in 1814.

This week temperatures in the capital are expected to stay around 0C and -1C but could feel as low as -5C due to the wind chill.

     

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