running1 has been thanked 5 times for this contribution
"The Thames barrier is described by some as the eighth wonder of the world, as without it London may be no more.
Before the barrier was built in 1953 Canvey Island in Essex was severly flooded as a result of an exceptionally high tide at the Thames, as a result approximately 300 people drowned to death.The government decided that after that tragic loss something needed to be done to protect London the countries capital.
In 1974 construction began to erect the barrier and after many set backs and delays the Thames barrier was finally completed and opened in 1984 by Queen Elizabeth the second and the total cost was a staggering £534 million.
Consisting of nine pillars and 6 openings ships can still pass through but when the tide is particually high the barrier is raised the stop the excess water flooding our capital. The barrier is 1716 feet wide and stretches from the east to the west sides of the river. It has been raised over ninty times since 1982 as due to climate changes the average tide of the Thames is getting higher.
During the school holidays various activities are laid on for the children including in depth talks and displays about the history and construction of the great barrier (this can be seen all year round but the talks are more detailed and simplified for the children). The barrier is a fasinating structure and must be seen to be appreciated, without it catastrophy could reoccur like that back in 1953."
;)
