images of the river Thames

Historically the Thames was not only a busy thoroughfare for river traffic but also a source of artistic inspiration. This view shows the Westminster Bridge of Canaletto’s paintings and Wordsworth’s sonnet. Dated 1747, it shows the bridge almost complete, with the buildings of the old Palace of Westminster on the right. It continued in use until the mid-19th Century when it was replaced with Thomas Page’s cast-iron bridge which was completed in 1862.

The distinctive dome of St Paul’s Cathedral has always dominated the London skyline. A masterpiece of design by Sir Christopher Wren, it was completed in 1710 and replaced Old St Paul’s Church which was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. During the Second World War it survived enemy bombing and was a source of inspiration to Londoners as it towered above the smoke and flames.

Many of the materials for building the New Palace of Westminster were ferried by boat along the Thames. This had also been true of the mediaeval buildings. Ceremonial vessels also frequented the river. This picture of 1849 shows the Royal Barge with Prince Albert and the Prince of Wales outside the New Palace of Westminster. Although the façade of the new building rises majestically behind the barge, it was to be another ten years before the New Palace of Westminster was finally completed.