The Great London River Debacle: Counting the Aquatic Elusive and the Blatantly Obvious
Ah, London! City of Big Ben, fish and chips, and... wait, rivers? That's right, folks, the winding waterways that snake their way through this grand metropolis hold more secrets than a pasty at a pie-eating contest. So, how many rivers are we talking about here? Buckle up, because this is where things get interesting.
The Thames: The Grand Dame of London's Liquid Landscape
Let's start with the obvious one, shall we? The River Thames. This majestic waterway is the undisputed champion, the Usain Bolt of London rivers. It's the one you see in all the postcards, the one where tourists take selfies with pigeons (don't ask). But the Thames is just the tip of the iceberg, or should we say, the top of the estuary?
The Lost Rivers of London: When Plumbing Became Trendy
London has a bit of a murky past (pun intended) when it comes to its rivers. Back in the day, sanitation wasn't exactly a priority. So, what did they do with all that... well, let's just say "unpleasantness"? They shoved it all underground, of course! That's right, London has a secret network of over 20 subterranean rivers - the ghosts of waterways past, gurgling silently beneath the bustling streets.
The Seven Survivors: A River Renaissance (Kind Of)
But not all London rivers met a watery grave (sorry, not sorry). There's a valiant group of seven rivers that stubbornly refused to be bricked over. These include the River Wandle with its delightful little watermills, and the River Brent, a haven for nature enthusiasts. Just don't expect them to be the size of the Mississippi - these are more like plucky little streams with an inferiority complex.
So, How Many Rivers Does That Make?
Here's the tricky part. Do we count the shy, subterranean ones? What about the glorified streams? It all depends on your definition of a "real" river. If you're a stickler for the above-ground, constantly flowing type, then seven is your answer. But if you have a more inclusive mindset and believe all waterways deserve respect (even the smelly, forgotten ones), then the grand total is a whopping 26 or more!
Bonus Fun Fact: The River Fleet, one of those lost rivers, used to flow directly into the River Thames... right next to where the Houses of Parliament now stand. Just imagine those MPs debating laws with the delightful aroma of, well, you get the picture.
FAQs:
How to find the lost rivers of London?
There are walking tours dedicated to exploring the lost rivers. Just be prepared for a lot of manhole peeking!
How to avoid falling in a river in London?
The good news is that London's rivers are generally quite calm. Just stick to the designated paths and you'll be fine.
How to take a boat trip on the River Thames?
There are plenty of companies offering boat tours on the Thames. It's a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
How to fish in the River Thames?
You'll need a permit, but be aware that the water quality isn't exactly ideal for catching a trophy trout. Maybe stick to fish and chips.
How to appreciate the beauty of London's rivers?
Just take a walk along the riverbank, breathe in the fresh air (hopefully), and admire the natural beauty that flows through this bustling city.
