Thursday 7 January 2010

Southwark Bridge SE1

The pedestrian underpass at the south end of Southwark Bridge has been considerably brightened up by a line of engraved slates by Richard Kindersley depicting the old Frost Fairs that were held whenever the Thames froze over.
The engravings consist of a map with pictures of the stalls and Londoners falling over. The words are from various pamphlets printed on the ice.
The Frost Fairs came to an end when the climate warmed up a bit and Old London Bridge was demolished allowing free water flow. Eventually, the arrival of the power stations made absolutely sure the water would never cool down enough to freeze ever again. A pity.

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