3-070-631 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Scenes on the frozen Thames: an extemporised sledge, 1881. Engraving from '...instantaneous photographs by Mr. J. Thomson...Ice, in large quantities, has not unfrequently been seen on the Thames in London during winters of ordinary severity; but the intense frost which set in last week froze the water within a couple of days to an extent that rendered navigation difficult, and before the close of the week locomotion by water was impossible, so rapidly did the floes accumulate...Covered in many parts with about two feet and a half of snow, the metropolitan parks were comparatively deserted on the day of the great storm, but there were enthusiastic skaters who braved the elements...to enjoy their favourite sport. It was freezing more or less all the day...a great deal of good skating was enjoyed by Londoners...throughout the past week'. From "Illustrated London News", 1881.