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Frost Fair on the Thames at London, 1734-1740 (1838)
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Frost Fair on the Thames at London, 1734-1740 (1838)
Frost Fair on the Thames at London, 1734-1740 (1838). Winters in Britain were often particularly cold in the 17th and 18th centuries, a period known as the Little Ice Age. These impromptu fairs, offering a wide variety of amusements occurred in winters severe enough for the waters of the Thames to freeze over. The first was held in 1607, and the last in 1814, since when higher temperatures have meant that the Thames has never frozen over
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Media ID 14849780
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
Amusement Climate Climate Change Enjoyment Fair Frost Fair Frozen Funfair Meteorological Meteorology Tent Tents Thames Ann Ronan Pictures
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print, titled "Frost Fair on the Thames at London, 1734-1740 (1838)" takes us back to a bygone era when winters in Britain were exceptionally cold. Known as the Little Ice Age, this period in the 17th and 18th centuries saw freezing temperatures that caused the waters of the Thames River to solidify. The result? A magical spectacle where impromptu fairs emerged on its frozen surface. Dating back to 1607 and lasting until 1814, these frost fairs became a cherished tradition during severe winters. This woodcut print captures one such fair between 1734 and 1740 with its bustling atmosphere filled with tents offering an array of amusements for all ages. From games and entertainment to food stalls and merry-go-rounds, it was a true winter wonderland. However, as climate change gradually took hold over time, higher temperatures prevented the Thames from ever freezing again after 1814. Thus, this image serves as a poignant reminder of a unique chapter in London's history that can no longer be experienced firsthand. The monochrome aesthetic adds an air of nostalgia to this eighteenth-century scene while emphasizing the wintry ambiance created by nature itself. It is through prints like these that we can appreciate how our environment has evolved over time while cherishing moments from our past that will never be replicated again.
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