Secrets of the Thames
Explore the archaeology of the Thames' foreshore at Bankside and see this famous area in a whole new light
Cover Image: The Thames Foreshore at Bankside, showing various archaeological remains. Author’s own
Introduction
As you stroll along Bankside you will be immersed in the many different entertainments on offer; an area that has been a hub of recreation for many years. This trail can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home, or you can use it to explore this famous area in a whole new, perhaps quite surprising, way! Bankside and this area of Southwark has changed much over the years, from prehistoric forest, to entertainment district for the Tudors, an industrial area for the Victorians and now back to a place of arts and performance. If you look at the clues around you, you can start to piece this changing picture together.
A few things to note if you are walking this route:
· Many of the features in this trail can be seen from the Thames Path, without needing to go on the foreshore. If you do go on the foreshore, take care and make sure you do it safely. · Check the Tide Times for London Bridge to plan your trip. Aim to start the trail around 1.5 hours before low tide. But remember that the height of the tide varies throughout the month, so some parts of the trail might not be accessible, or you might have to leave the foreshore early.
· Be aware of where the stairs are on the foreshore, and make sure you don’t get cut off if your exit point is behind you. Take a fully charged mobile phone with you and let someone know you are following this route. There is more information about foreshore safety on the Port of London Authority’s website .
· The Thames Foreshore can be difficult underfoot with sand, mud and rubble, make sure to wear appropriate footwear. The Thames Foreshore is not accessible for wheelchairs, or if you are not comfortable with the terrain, the route can be followed along the Thames Path.
· You may be tempted to pick up lots of interesting things along your walk but, for the Thames, you need a Permit to collect objects from the foreshore. If you are inspired to take up Mudlarking you can get a permit from the Port of London Authority . Or join a Thames Discovery Programme walk and get advice and storytelling from a professional archaeologist working on the Thames Foreshore.
The walk will take roughly 1.5/2 hours, depending on how much you stop and look around! You could even make a day of it with the modern delights of Bankside; after your new-found knowledge of the history of the area you could catch a boat along the Thames imagining the different generations of people who have done the same, or watch a show at The Globe just like people did 500 years ago…
*Our self-guided Low Tide Trails can be followed virtually as well as physically. If you do go for a physical walk using our trail as a guide you are responsible for your own welfare and safety. MOLA/CITiZAN/ Thames Discovery Programme cannot accept any liability for injury/damage/trespass as a result.
Off we go...!
We hope you enjoyed exploring the Thames Foreshore with us.
If you’d like to learn more, get in touch with us and see what events we have coming up at Thames Discovery Programme .
For more Story Maps to explore look here. One of particular interest may be the Story Map of Conyer Creek which has interesting links to some of the industrial histories of Bankside and Southwark explored in this trail.