The Historic Thames
by Hilaire Belloc (1870–1953)
- Free to read
- 4 hours to read
- 2 chapters
- Reading level: 10th to 12th grade
"The Historic Thames" by Hilaire Belloc is a historical account likely written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the significance of the River Thames throughout English history, exploring how it has shaped human settlement, communication, and the socio-political landscape of the region. The text emphasizes the Thames as not just a river but a vital artery of life, influencing the development of towns and parishes along its banks. The opening of the book introduces readers to the historical context of the Thames, outlining its critical role in England's geography and economy. Belloc explains how the Thames served as both a natural highway and a boundary, facilitating trade and communication while also dividing communities. He discusses the fertile areas along its banks that encouraged early settlements and highlights archaeological evidence of humanity's long-standing relationship with the river. The author sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the Thames, emphasizing its enduring importance in the narrative of British history.
- Historic sites · England · Thames Valley
- Thames Valley (England) · History
- Thames Valley (England) · Description and travel
Read the opening
The Historic Thames
England has been built up upon the framework of her rivers, and, in that pattern, the principal line has been the line of the Thames.
Partly because it was the main highway of Southern England, partly because it looked eastward towards the Continent from which the national life has been drawn, partly because it was better served by the tide than any other channel, but mainly because it was the chief among a great number of closely connected river basins, the Thames Valley has in the past supported the government and the wealth of England.
Among the most favoured of our rivals some one river system has developed a province or a series of provinces; the Rhine has done so, the Seine and the Garonne. But the great Continental river systems—at least the navigable ones—stand far apart from one another: in this small, and especially narrow, country of Britain navigable river systems are not only numerous, but packed close together. It is perhaps on this account that we have been under less necessity in the past to develop our canals; and anyone who has explored the English rivers in a light boat knows how short are the portages between one basin and another.
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About this edition
This free edition of The Historic Thames by Hilaire Belloc comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #13046, released 2004-07-29. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: History - Other, History - British.
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