River Thames

London - Battersea Bridge

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Battersea Bridge links Battersea south of the river with Chelsea to the north.

Until the late 18th century, a ferry service had operated across the river at this location, but an Act of Parliament in 1766 authorised construction of a wooden toll bridge.

The wooden bridge was replaced by the current bridge composed of five wrought iron and steel cantilever spans supported on granite piers.

Looking upstream towards Chelsea


	Looking upstream

House Boats

Possibly the most exclusive (and expensive) houseboats on the Thames are lined up along Cheyne Walk just before Battersea Bridge.

A typical example of a houseboat moored just off Cheyne Walk in the heart of Chelsea has three decent-sized bedrooms, a reception room, shower room, kitchen and a 20ft-long sun deck. Price: £265,000.

Cheyne Walk

Cheyne Walk (pronounced Chaynee) is probably one of the most historic streets in Chelsea. It is full of 18th century houses which have blue plaques on them commemorating their famous residents who have lived there. The artist JMW Turner lived at No. 119 and Ian Fleming who wrote the James Bond books lived in Carlyle Mansions Cheyne Walk.

Statue of Whistler
An American born painter, Whistler is one of the most famous artists of his generation. He lived in many places across the world. This statue celebrates the time Whistler spent living in and around Chelsea, a place said to have inspired some of his best work.

Start of Voyage down the Thames	Contents Page	Introduction
Facts about the Thames	Flooding	Thames Basin
Pollution	Erosion	Tributaries
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