What Happened to the Fleet River in London?

By Robert Palmer

The Fleet River was once a major feature of London’s landscape, but today it is largely hidden from view. So what happened to this once-important waterway?

The History of the Fleet River

The Fleet River has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the Roman era. In fact, it was originally known as the River Fleet, which means “tidal inlet” in Old English. Over time, the river became an important source of water for the growing city of London, and it was used for everything from drinking water to transportation.

However, by the 19th century, the river had become heavily polluted due to industrialization and urbanization. It was eventually covered over and turned into an underground sewer system. Today, only small sections of the river are visible above ground.

The Current State of the Fleet River

While much of the Fleet River is now hidden underground, there are still some visible remnants of this historic waterway. One such example is found at St Pancras Churchyard in central London, where a small section of the river has been restored to its former glory.

In addition to this restoration project, there have also been calls for further efforts to uncover and restore other parts of the river. Some groups are even advocating for portions of the sewer system to be repurposed as public spaces or walking trails.

  • Conclusion

While much has changed since the days when the Fleet River was a bustling hub of activity in London, its legacy lives on. By restoring and preserving what remains of this historic waterway, we can gain a better understanding of our city’s past while also creating new opportunities for public enjoyment and appreciation.

References:

  • Londonist.com
  • The Guardian
  • The Museum of London