About 70 members and guests gathered at Royston Town Hall last to hear Martin Copping, a City of London guide, talk about the River Thames. Mr Copping spoke about the part of the river between the estuary and Teddington, which is the present tidal part o

About 70 members and guests gathered at Royston Town Hall last to hear Martin Copping, a City of London guide, talk about the River Thames.

Mr Copping spoke about the part of the river between the estuary and Teddington, which is the present tidal part of the river.

Because of lawlessness, the River Police was formed in 1798, 31 years before the Metropolitan Police.

Mention was made of a dockers' strike in 1899 - they were striking for a tanner (6d) an hour.

The Thames provided an easy route for enemy bombers to follow during the Second World War. Tower Bridge is thought to have provided an easy landmark to look out for in 1940-1941.

The docks were still thriving in 1960 but now there were only pleasure steamers and barges carrying refuse.

Mention was made of the formation of the Docklands Development Corporation in 1991 and the relaxation of planning restrictions at that time.

Mr Copping thought the Thames Barrier would cease to fulfil its purpose in 20-30 years, when other measures would be required to deal with possible flooding.

David Allard thanked Mr Copping, and members were able to purchase some of the society's publications, which were on sale.

The next talk is on February 1, when Ian Waller will talk about the 'workhouse'.