Take the boat from Westminster Pier. The huge Gothic Parliament buildings across the road from the pier are on the spot where in 1016 an early governing body was established. This was the kernel from which Parliament eventually developed. The Houses of Parliament have burned down and have been rebuilt a number of times over the centuries. The latest fire was in 1834 and the impressive Gothic building, close to where the Thames cruise boats start their journey, is only 170 years old.
Below are some of the London landmarks you will see during the cruise.
Tower Bridge
Work started on the Tower Bridge in 1884 and it took eight years to build. When it was finished Tower Bridge was the largest and most sophisticated bridge of its kind in the world. When a tall-masted vessel is on its way along the River Thames the bridge opens into two parts which, operated by hydraulic power, rise up to allow the ship to continue its journey. A very impressive sight.
Today it is one one London’s most well-known landmarks. There is an excellent Tower Bridge Exhibition where visitors can learn about the Bridge’s history and explore the engine rooms. When it was built,Tower Bridge was the largest and most sophisticated bridge of its kind ever completed
Tower of London
The History of the Tower of London dates back over one thousand years and it has a very bloody and cruel history. Early in its history it was a royal residence and by around 1100 it was used as a prison. Many people had their heads chopped off here. They entered the Tower via Traitor’s Gate, a river entrance to the Tower. They would arrive by barge and they would pass London Bridge where the heads of recently executed traitors were placed on spikes, on show for all to see. Nowadays it is a peaceful place as far as beheadings are concerned, but it is always buzzing with visitors, one of the biggest attractions being the crown jewels.
Hampton Court
As you proceed down river to Hampton Court you will see a great diversity of river traffic: everything from beautifully decorated private boats to huge barges delivering cargo from around the world. The Thames is still very much a working river which makes the trip even more interesting.
King Henry VIII was a real big spender. By the time he died in 1547 he owned more than 60 houses, but the one he spent the most money on was Hampton Court. He built fabulous gardens, tennis courts, a hunting park and much more. You can easily spend a whole day at Hampton Court. Visit the Tudor kitchens, enjoy a costumed guided tour – the palace has fabulous tapestries and paintings. The 60 acres of formal gardens include what is probably the most famous maze in the world, planted in the 17th century. It is the oldest hedge maze in the world in continuous use. And don’t miss the Great Hall which is England’s greatest medieval hall and one of Britain’s oldest theatres. William Shakespeare’s company performed there in 1603-4.
Boats depart from Westminster Quay, which is close to the Westminster tube station and the trip takes about three hours.
Cathy Smith - I have Miss McGinn to thank for my becoming a writer. I was in her class for only two years from age nine to eleven. In what we called ...
