On This Day
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London's Thames River freezes over

The River Thames frost fairs were held on the tideway of the River Thames in London, England in some winters, starting at least as early as the late 7th century until the early 19th century.

The River Thames frost fairs were held on the tideway of the River Thames in London, England in some winters, starting at least as early as the late 7th century until the early 19th century. Most were held between the early 17th and early 19th centuries during the period known as the Little Ice Age, when the river froze over most often, though still infrequently. During that time the British winter was more severe than it is now, and the river was wider and slower, further impeded by the 19 piers of the medieval Old London Bridge which were removed in 1831.

Even at its peak, in the mid-17th century, the Thames in London froze less often than modern legend sometimes suggests, never exceeding about one year in ten except for four winters between 1649 and 1666.

Historical Significance

The River Thames frost fairs were held on the tideway of the River Thames in London, England in some winters, starting at least as early as the late 7th century until the early 19th century.

Events Before

  1. Typewriter patented by Englishman Henry Mill (built years later)

    Typewriter patented by Englishman Henry Mill (built years later)

  2. Battle of Gangut: Russian Navy wins its first major victory during the Great Northern War against Sweden

    In the Great Northern War (1700–1721) a coalition led by Russia successfully contested the supremacy of Sweden in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe.

  3. Treaty of Baden is signed by the Holy Roman Empire and France, ending the War of the Spanish Succession; France retains

    Treaty of Baden is signed by the Holy Roman Empire and France, ending the War of the Spanish Succession; France retains Alsace and Landau, and Austria gains the east bank of the Rhine

  4. Nicholas Rowe's play "The Tragedy of Jane Shore" premieres in London

    The Tragedy of Jane Shore is a 1714 historical tragedy by the British writer Nicholas Rowe.

  5. Parliament of Paris accepts Pope Clement XI's "Unigenitus" decree

    Parliament of Paris accepts Pope Clement XI's "Unigenitus" decree

Events After

  1. Duke Karl Leopold of Mecklenburg-Schwerin signs covenant with Russia & marries Tsar Peter the Great's niece

    Duke Karl Leopold of Mecklenburg-Schwerin signs covenant with Russia & marries Tsar Peter the Great's niece

  2. French transport the first African slaves to Louisiana

    French transport the first African slaves to Louisiana

  3. Battle of Petrovaradin [Peterwardein]: Habsburgs under Eugene of Savoy defeat the Ottomans in a decisive victory

    The Battle of Petrovaradin also known as the Battle of Peterwardein, took place on 5 August 1716 during the Austro-Turkish War when the Ottoman army besieged the Habsburg-controlled fortress of...

  4. Amsterdam gang leader and thief "Sjako" arrested

    Amsterdam gang leader and thief "Sjako" arrested

  5. Britain & Netherlands renew alliance

    Britain & Netherlands renew alliance

More from the 1710s

Parisian merchant Jean Marius obtains a five-year royal privilege for his invention of a folding umbrella, the first in

Parisian merchant Jean Marius obtains a five-year royal privilege for his invention of a folding umbrella, the first in Europe

Typewriter patented by Englishman Henry Mill (built years later)

Typewriter patented by Englishman Henry Mill (built years later)

Russian Tsar Peter the Great officially marries Polish-Lithuanian pre-marriedeasant Martha Skavronskaya at Saint Isaac's

Russian Tsar Peter the Great officially marries Polish-Lithuanian pre-marriedeasant Martha Skavronskaya at Saint Isaac's Cathedral in Saint Petersburg, having earlier married in secret in 1707

In the Battle of Helsingborg, 14,000 Danish invaders under Jørgen Rantzau are decisively defeated by an equally sized Sw

In the Battle of Helsingborg, 14,000 Danish invaders under Jørgen Rantzau are decisively defeated by an equally sized Swedish force under Magnus Stenbock

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on November 24, 1715?
The River Thames frost fairs were held on the tideway of the River Thames in London, England in some winters, starting at least as early as the late 7th century until the early 19th century. Most were held between the early 17th and early 19th centuries during the period known as the Little Ice Age, when the river froze over most often, though still infrequently. During that time the British winter was more severe than it is now, and the river was wider and slower, further impeded by the 19 piers of the medieval Old London Bridge which were removed in 1831.
Why is London's Thames River freezes over significant?
The River Thames frost fairs were held on the tideway of the River Thames in London, England in some winters, starting at least as early as the late 7th century until the early 19th century.

Explore More

November 24 in HistoryYear 1715