River Thames

The Thames river runs through much of Southern England, including the capital city of London. It is the longest river to run entirely through England.

Archaeologists suggest that people have lived along the river since at least 3300-2700 BC. Julius Caesar mentions it numerous times in his account of his second expedition to Britain in 54BC. The Romans built fortifications along the river during their occupation of Britain and the first "London Bridge" was built over the Thames by Romans in 50 AD

The Tower of London, one of the most famous of all British landmarks, was built on the North side of the river by William the Conqueror in 1078. Later, the Magna Carta was signed on one of the Thames' islands, Runnymede.

As the city of London continued to grow, the Thames became one of the world's busiest and most traveled waterways. Pollution in the river has been a problem for centuries; the so-called "Great Stink" of 1858 forced much of the area around the river, including the House of Commons, to be abandoned until suitable sewage systems could be developed.

The name probably derives from the Celtic word "Tamesas," meaning "dark," though there are numerous other theories.

• River Thames: The Official Guide to the River Thames