Fair on the Thames Feb 1814

Frost Fairs, which were recorded as early as the 16th century, took place on the Thames when the river froze over during the winter months. The fair of 1814, depicted here, was the last occasion on which the Thames was completely frozen.

During the fairs, which were frequent occurrences during the 17th century, stalls were erected on the ice and a range of activities took place, including skating, shooting and sledging. This engraving by George Cooke shows tents on the ice, rides and a printing press, which enabled visitors to record their memories of the fair. St. Paul's Cathedral can be seen in the distance.

Some of the prints were made 'to commemorate a remarkably severe frost' and sold as souvenirs. One particularly humorous print dated 5 February 1814, when the frost was thawing, ran as follows:

'SACRED/ to the Memory of/ J Frost/who began to expire/ this day Feb 5 1814/ in consequence of an attack committed by/ A Thaw/ By S Werner/ on the Ice.'