London’s lost rivers
To understand the long history of London, you need to consider its rivers. Over hundreds of years, many rivers and streams have been abandoned, buried under the streets or converted into our sewage system. But there are still clues pointing to the whereabouts of London’s ‘lost rivers’ – in street names, or the layout of roads and buildings. And once you know about them, you'll never see London quite the same way again.
-
Nature & Environment
Lost rivers: The Effra
Lambeth’s famous hidden river was once the source of colourful London myths – and frequent flooding
Nature & EnvironmentLost rivers: The Walbrook
This small but mighty river was vital to life in the Roman and medieval city
Nature & EnvironmentLost rivers: The Tyburn
Flowing under Mayfair and Buckingham Palace, the Tyburn shaped some of London’s wealthiest areas
Nature & EnvironmentLost rivers: The Westbourne
Until the 1800s, the Westbourne flowed through the countryside and could safely quench your thirst