The frieze under Southwark Bridge, by local sculptor Richard Kindersley, commemorates a freeze of a different sort. Old London Bridge, located to the east, used to slow down the flow of the Thames so much that it could freeze over during severe winters.

Watermen were unable to work as usual, so they put up tents on the ice to sell food and drink to those crossing the river on foot. In time, they were joined by traders from the City, who set up stalls selling a wide range of goods including ‘Toys and Trifles’.

These impromptu gatherings evolved into events known as Frost Fairs, which drew large crowds looking for novelty and entertainment. One of the most impressive Frost Fairs was held during the ‘mighty frost’ of 1683-4, when a line of booths was laid out from the City to Southwark. In his diary John Evelyn described it as ‘a bacchanalian triumph’, and the fair offered a variety of amusements including puppet shows, horse races, bear baiting and fox hunting. A whole ox was roasted on the ice and printing presses were set up to provide souvenirs to fair-goers, including King Charles II.

The last Frost Fair was held in the winter of 1813-4. The wider arches of the new London Bridge, which opened in 1831, improved the flow of the Thames. As a result it no longer froze, thus ending a much-loved tradition.

Image: © London Metropolitan Archives