London's forgotten 'Frost Fairs' held on the frozen River Thames
Some reports show these magical fairs would
London is a city renowned for its rich and interesting history from The Great Fire that started in a bakery in Pudding Lane to the old-timey knocker-uppers who would wake the city’s workmen.
Here at London World, we love to explore trivia about our nation’s capital, so when I learned about the historic ‘Frost Fairs’, I knew we had to tell you more.
Between the 14th and 19th centuries, when winters were colder and the old London Bridge slowed the river’s flow, the Thames would freeze solid.
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Not one to miss an opportunity, Londoners set up markets and fairs on the ice. These "Frost Fairs" became famous, with Londoners setting up all sorts of entertainment on the frozen river.
The fairs featured stalls selling food and drink, puppet shows, and even ice bowling.
Vendors would roast meat over open fires, and printmakers would offer special "Thames prints" as souvenirs to commemorate the event.
The Little Ice Age
One of the most famous Frost Fairs occurred in 1683-1684 during what’s called the "Little Ice Age," when the river stayed frozen for two months.
The ice was so thick that people built entire structures, including temporary pubs, directly on the river.
However, as London grew and the old London Bridge was replaced in the 19th century, the Thames' flow became too fast for it to freeze over.
Modern times have made it impossible to have another Frost Fair, but this quirky bit of London history is still fondly remembered for its unique charm—imagine ice skating or eating roasted meat on a frozen river in the heart of London!