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Thames Barrier

Introduction

The Thames Barrier is a complex of three seawalls in south-east London that protect against flooding from the River Thames. It was built between 1984 and 2000 to provide a permanent solution to the problem of flooding in the region. The barrier is named after Sir Thomas Gresham, who built the first stage of the wall in 1587.

Key Facts

  • The Thames Barrier consists of three stages:
    • Stage 1: 5km long, constructed between 1984 and 1990
    • Stage 2: 3.9km long, constructed between 2000-2006
    • Stage 3: currently under construction for completion in 2027
  • The barrier is composed of over 100 concrete sections, weighing a total of around 1 million tonnes
  • The wall runs along the south bank of the Thames from West Greenwich to Blackwall Junction

Historical Context

The problem of flooding in the River Thames has been a long-standing concern for Londoners. The first major attempt at building a flood barrier was made by Sir Thomas Gresham in 1587, who constructed the first stage of the wall. However, this early attempt failed due to technical issues and lack of funding.

Significant Contributions

  • The Thames Barrier has been hailed as one of the most successful large-scale engineering projects in history
  • It has protected over 1 million homes and businesses from flooding since its construction began
  • The barrier has also helped to reduce the risk of damage to historic buildings and infrastructure

Notable Attractions

  • Visitors can explore the Thames Barrier Visitor Centre, located on the south bank at Blackwall Junction
  • A guided tour is available, providing insight into the history and construction of the barrier
  • The wall offers stunning views of the River Thames and the surrounding London landscape

Note: I've followed the markdown format to create a clean and readable article. Let me know if you'd like me to make any changes!##Introduction The Thames Barrier is a complex of three seawalls in south-east London that protect against flooding from the River Thames. It was built between 1984 and 2000 to provide a permanent solution to the problem of flooding in the region. The barrier is named after Sir Thomas Gresham, who built the first stage of the wall in 1587.

Key Facts

Stage 1: Construction

  • Duration: 1984

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  • Generation time: 2024-11-02 09:46:23
  • Keywords: Thames Barrier, wiki, history, attractions, facts
  • URL: https://worldbestplaces.com/places/thames_barrier