Would you skate on the River Thames? Ice rinks could make a return to the waterway after 185 YEARS thanks to a new retractable jetty design

  • Frost Fairs were held on the Thames when it froze over until the 1800s
  • Freezing was caused by Old London Bridge's structure, not temperature
  • Series of ice rinks on the London river could soon be brought back 
  • Architects plan to introduce retractable jetties that would unfurl into discs

By Georgia Diebelius For Mailonline

Published: 07:33 EST, 8 December 2015 | Updated: 12:36 EST, 9 December 2015

A centuries-old tradition of celebrating on the frozen surface of the River Thames could be brought back, thanks to a group of architects.

Plans to create a series of natural ice rinks called Frost Flowers -  retractable jetties that would unfurl over parts of the water into large circular discs - on the river have been unveiled.

The scheme would reintroduce the once-annual Frost Fair, when the water froze over naturally and Londoners rushed to the river.

Invention: Retractable jetties called Frost Flowers would unfurl over parts of the water into large circular discs

Invention: Retractable jetties called Frost Flowers would unfurl over parts of the water into large circular discs

NBBJ, a London-based architecture practice, plans to recreate the tradition, which was last held 200 years ago.

Submerged slightly below the water level, the pan-shaped platforms would isolate a thin basin of water from the flow of the River Thames and enable the water to freeze naturally.

This surface would then become the site of a Frost Fair, offering ice-skating, markets and exhibitions. 

Christian Coop, Design Director of NBBJ, said: ‘In a dense, modern city such as London, the Thames provides a unique open vista where the history and origins of this great city can be viewed. 

Scheme would introduce a collection of retractable jetties called 'Frost Flowers' that would unfurl into discs

Scheme would introduce a collection of retractable jetties called 'Frost Flowers' that would unfurl into discs

'New space is now desperately needed, and accordingly we looked to our heritage to find one possible solution.’ 

The river froze over before 1831 because of the structure of Old London Bridge at the time - it had 19 arches and each of the 20 piers was supported by large breakwaters called starlings.

When chunks of ice got caught between them, it slowed the flow of the river above the bridge, making it more likely to freeze over.

When New London Bridge opened in 1831 it only had five arches and the Thames never froze over in the London area again.  

Submerged slightly below the water level, the pan-shaped platforms would isolate a thin basin of water from the flow of the River Thames and enable the water to naturally freeze

Submerged slightly below the water level, the pan-shaped platforms would isolate a thin basin of water from the flow of the River Thames and enable the water to naturally freeze

The surface of the Thames would become the site of a Frost Fair, offering ice-skating, markets and exhibitions

The surface of the Thames would become the site of a Frost Fair, offering ice-skating, markets and exhibitions

RIVER THAMES FROST FAIRS - HELD IN LONDON FROM 1608 UNTIL 1814

The first River Thames Frost Fair took place in 1608, although the water had frozen over several times during the 16th century. 

The period from the mid-14th century to the 19th century in Europe was referred to as the ‘Little Ice Age’ due to the severity of the climate at the time.

The last fair was held from February 1 to 5, 1814, and the ice was so thick, an elephant crossed at Blackfriars.

The river froze over before 1831 because of the structure of Old London Bridge at the time - it had 19 arches and each of the 20 piers was supported by large breakwaters called starlings.

When chunks of ice got caught between them, it slowed the flow of the river above the bridge, making it more likely to freeze over.

When New London Bridge opened in 1831 it only had five arches and the Thames never froze over in the London area again. 

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