Frost Fair
Between the 1600s and 1814, the River Thames often froze completely due to the cold climate known as the “Little Ice Age.”
During the first Frost Fair in 1607/08, the ice was thick enough for people to walk between Southwark and the city centre. In January, the ice was so solid that people set up camp, played football, and even opened a pub right on the ice. Traders kept warm by lighting fires, which surprisingly did not melt the ice around them!
The Great Winter of 1683/84 was particularly remarkable, with reports of the sea two miles from shore freezing solid. This winter hosted the most famous Frost Fair, known as the Blanket Fair. A variety of activities took place on the ice, including puppet shows, bull-baiting, pubs, and ice skating. Even King Charles II is said to have enjoyed a spit-roasted ox at this event!
By the 1800s, the climate began to warm, and winters were no longer as harsh. The last Frost Fair took place in January 1814, attracting thousands of visitors and featuring an elephant performance, marking the largest fair of its kind.
Image Credit: https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/The-Thames-Frost-Fairs/