The name of the river and its religious associations offer many possibilities for the study of Celtic and Roman gods and the differences between them. Perhaps most interesting is the way in which Romans and Celts exchanged religious influences and how many of these were adopted by later peoples, such as Vikings and Anglo-Saxons. For relevant archaeological investigations: www.channel4.comhistorytimeteamindex.html

At KS2, and to a greater extent KS3, students can study the river’s complex relationship as life-giver and life-destroyer in the Victorian period.

There are fascinating websites on the Great Stink of 1858. Look at the origins of the Victorian sewer system which eventually relieved the health and sanitation hazard: www.crossness. org.uksites20020715PJKwc.htm This could also be the basis of a GCSE schools history project local study. For modern history GCSE and A-level the theme of surviving in close proximity to the Thames in the late 1800s and early 1900s can be explored through the Port Cities website for London www.portcities.org.uklondon

Ben Walsh