Thames

Latin: Tamesis
Tamise, Thamise

The River Thames is the longest river in England and has played a central role in the history of England and the United Kingdom. London is built on River Thames.

The Gay Castle stood on its banks, and the forest Verwaine grew along the river, according to Vulgate Lancelot.

It is suggested that the “Battle of the River Thames” against the Saxons were fought near the River Thames.

River Thames | 0 to 9th century AD

Roman Period | 1st – 5th century
During the Roman occupation of Britain, the River Thames, or Tamesis as they called it, was a vital waterway, and it marked the northern boundary of the Roman province of Britannia. The Romans built a series of defensive structures along the Thames, including forts, watchtowers, and walls. These included Durovernum Cantiacorum (Canterbury), and Calleva Atrebatum (Silchester).

Londinium, the predecessor of modern-day London, was founded as a bridgehead and a trading center on the north bank of the Thames by the Romans around 43 AD. The Roman governor Aulus Plautius initially established a fort in the early first century AD. Londinium developed into a major urban center and became an important hub for trade and governance in Roman Britain.

Roman Trade and Prosperity
The Thames was a significant artery for the transportation of goods, connecting these Roman settlements and facilitating trade and communication within the province of Britannia. The river contributed to the economic prosperity of Roman Britain as it allowed for the movement of goods, including grain, metals, pottery, and building materials.

Decline and Withdrawal
With the decline of the Roman Empire in the fourth and fifth centuries, the Roman presence of Britain waned. The withdrawal of Roman troops and administrators in the early fifth century led to a period of political fragmentation and the decline of organized Roman rule, which led to the rise of regional Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.

Early Medieval Period | 5th – 9th century AD
In the early medieval period, the river remained an important trade route. During this time, several Viking invasions occured along the Thames, and the river became a key route for Viking ships, leading to conflicts with local rulers and forces. By the ninth century, the Viking presence and incursions in England were substantial, culminating in the establishment of the Danelaw, a region where Danish law and customs prevailed. This included areas along the Thames.

London, which had been relatively abandoned after the Roman period, saw a resurgence in the late ninth century, under King Alfred the Great, who fortified the city to defend against Viking attacks.

Sources
Vulgate Lancelot | 1215-1230

Nightbringer.se

Latin: Tamesis
Tamise, Thamise

River Thames | 0 to 9th century AD

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Thames

Latin: TamesisTamise, Thamise

River Thames | 0 to 9th century AD

Latin: Tamesis
Tamise, Thamise