The Thames during the Great Frost of 1739

The demolition of old London Bridge in 1832 allowed the Thames to flow more quickly. Before this, however, in really severe winters the river sometimes froze over. Frost Fairs, such as that depicted here, would be held on the ice if it was thick enough.

On 31 January 1740 the Gentleman’s Magazine recorded that ‘The Thames floated with rocks and shoals of Ice; rising everywhere in hillocks and huge Rocks of Ice and Snow; of which Scene several Painters took Sketches. Booths, Stalls and Printing-Presses were erected, and a Frost-Fair held on it’.

Unfortunately the ice was not completely safe. The Gentleman’s Magazine account also notes that ‘Multitudes walk’d over it, and some were lost by their Rashness’.

Griffier’s view is taken from near Whitehall and extends north and east from Westminster Bridge on the right (then under construction).

Purchased from Agnews’, 1965, with the aid of a grant from the Museums and Galleries Commission (V&A Purchase Grant Fund)