"The St. Lawrence is mere water.  The Missouri is muddy water.  The Thames is liquid history!"  John Burns MP.

 

 

  Old map of the River Thames from the City of London to the Thames Estuary

The Docklands and Thames Gateway have a vast and diverse history which has evolved over many centuries.  At the core are the River Thames and the Thames Estuary which have been a passageway for travel, industry and commerce.  The Thames Gateway area stretches 40 miles to the east of East London, following along both sides of the River Thames to the Thames Estuary.  Presently, it contains a large quantity of brownfield land, which is land that was used for industrial and commercial purposes.  However, in recent years, it has been selected for vast tracts of urban regeneration.

There are approximately 2.1 million people who call the Thames Gateway 'home'.  As such, there are an abundance of issues that need attention - such as unemployment and low skills, public transport, public services and affordable housing.  It is believed that by developing brownfield land in the Thames Gateway that there is potential for regeneration, growth and advancement for all communities.  Our photos show where this is and has taken place.  See 'Gallery Selector' below...

To follow the heritage trail and view some remarkable images of the different areas along the River Thames select an area from the gallery list below.  The photographs were taken by LTGF member, John Churchill, who is a professional artist with a great love of the Thames. Have fun and do let us have more insights from you.