A River Runs Through It
The River Thames snakes through London. Find out how TfL is involved with the river
Old London Bridge (1630) by Claude De JonghOriginal Source: KENWOOD
The Only Crossing
For centuries, the River Thames was the quickest and easiest way to travel any distance in London, especially as London Bridge was the only crossing after Putney until 1750
Aerial View of the River Thames (2016-07-19) by Eleanor BentallTfL Corporate Archives
The Thames was London's highway and even today continues to draw those who live in London, those who work here, and those who are visiting
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Port of London Authority
The Port of London Authority has responsibility for river traffic control, security, navigational safety, conservation, encouraging commercial and leisure uses of the river, and protecting its environment
River Services Route Map (2022-05-01) by Transport for LondonTfL Corporate Archives
TfL manages 8 piers along the River Thames
Greenwich pier, Tower pier, and Bankside pier
Blackfriars pier, Festival pier, Embankment pier
Westminster pier, Millbank pier
London River Services
Our London River Services team licenses passenger boat services to use TfL's piers as well as of course maintaining the piers themselves
Boat services using TfL's piers include scheduled River Bus services, timetabled River Tours, and ad hoc charter bookings for private hire boats
We also own and operate the Woolwich Ferry boats, terminals and infrastructure. This free service links Woolwich and North Woolwich. It carries pedestrians, cyclists, cars, vans and lorries
Story compiled by TfL using information in records at the Transport for London Corporate Archives. The Corporate Archives seeks to preserve and make accessible records, not to interpret them. A wider range of material is available for physical consultation.
Permission is granted to reproduce for personal and educational use only.
This story has been enhanced using images from the collections of English Heritage. All enquiries regarding this video should be made directly to that institution.
