Frost Fairs

• What was the time period during which the River Thames commonly froze over?


  Between 1600 and 1814
• What were the two main reasons for the freezing of the River Thames?

  The Little Ice Age and the design of the medieval London Bridge
• How did the design of the medieval London Bridge contribute to the freezing of the River Thames?


  Its closely spaced piers trapped ice, creating a dam effect
• What did local Londoners do in response to the harsh winters?


  They set up the Thames Frost Fairs
• How many major Frost Fairs were held between 1607 and 1814?


  • A total of seven major fairs
  • Countless smaller fairs also took place
• When was the first recorded frost fair held?

  During the winter of 1607/08
• What activities were available at the Frost Fairs?


  Ice skating, football, bowling, and shopping
• What was the name of the most famous frost fair held during the Great Winter of 1683/84?

  The Blanket Fair
• Who participated in the festivities at the frost fairs?

  Even kings and queens, including King Charles
• What notable food item did King Charles reportedly enjoy at the Blanket Fair?


  A spit-roasted ox
• What change occurred in the climate by the 1800s regarding the River Thames?


  The climate had started to warm, reducing the severity of winters
• When did the last London Frost Fair take place?


  In January of 1814
• How long did the last Frost Fair last?


  It lasted for five days
• What was notable about the attendance at the last Frost Fair?


  Thousands of people turned up every day
• What form of entertainment was included at the last Frost Fair?


  There was every possible form of entertainment, including a parading elephant