How Well You Know About River Thames? Trivia Quiz

1. The Thames is the second-longest river in the UK. Which is the longest?

Humber

Trent

Severn

Great Ouse

The Severn is the longest river in the UK.

Explanation

The Severn is the longest river in the UK.

2. Where is the starting line for the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race?

Putney Bridge

Gravesend

Hammersmith Bridge

London Bridge

The starting line for the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race is at Putney Bridge.

Explanation

The starting line for the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race is at Putney Bridge.

3. Which of these towns/cities is not on the River Thames?

Reading

Oxford

Maidenhead

Aldershot

Aldershot is not on the River Thames. Reading, Oxford, and Maidenhead are all towns/cities that are located on the River Thames. However, Aldershot is not situated on the river, making it the correct answer.

Explanation

Aldershot is not on the River Thames. Reading, Oxford, and Maidenhead are all towns/cities that are located on the River Thames. However, Aldershot is not situated on the river, making it the correct answer.

4. What is the traditional name for the part of the Thames between London Bridge and Rotherhithe?

Maw of London

Charybdis of London

Torrent of London

Pool of London

The traditional name for the part of the Thames between London Bridge and Rotherhithe is the Pool of London. This term refers to the area of the river where ships would anchor and unload their cargo in the past. The Pool of London was a bustling hub of maritime activity and trade, making it an important and well-known part of the city's history.

Explanation

The traditional name for the part of the Thames between London Bridge and Rotherhithe is the Pool of London. This term refers to the area of the river where ships would anchor and unload their cargo in the past. The Pool of London was a bustling hub of maritime activity and trade, making it an important and well-known part of the city's history.

5. Which species of mammal made nationwide headlines after swimming up the Thames as far as Chelsea in 2006?

Bottle-nosed whale

Porpoise

Manatee

Blue whale

In 2006, a bottle-nosed whale made nationwide headlines after swimming up the Thames as far as Chelsea. This event was significant because it was unusual for a whale to venture into the river, and it captured the attention of the public and media. The other options, such as porpoise, manatee, and blue whale, are not relevant to the specific event mentioned in the question.

Explanation

In 2006, a bottle-nosed whale made nationwide headlines after swimming up the Thames as far as Chelsea. This event was significant because it was unusual for a whale to venture into the river, and it captured the attention of the public and media. The other options, such as porpoise, manatee, and blue whale, are not relevant to the specific event mentioned in the question.

6. At which point does the Thames stop being tidal, also marking the boundary of the Port of London Authority's jurisdiction?

Hammersmith

Twickenham

Teddington

Richmond

Teddington is the point at which the Thames stops being tidal and also marks the boundary of the Port of London Authority's jurisdiction. This means that the tide no longer affects the water level beyond Teddington, and the Port of London Authority's authority and control over the river ends at this point.

Explanation

Teddington is the point at which the Thames stops being tidal and also marks the boundary of the Port of London Authority's jurisdiction. This means that the tide no longer affects the water level beyond Teddington, and the Port of London Authority's authority and control over the river ends at this point.

7. In which year was the Thames Barrier officially opened (or should that be closed?)?

1964

1974

1984

1994

In 1984, the Thames Barrier was officially opened. The Thames Barrier is a movable barrier system located on the River Thames in London, designed to prevent tidal surges and flooding in the city. Its construction began in 1974 and was completed ten years later, in 1984. The barrier consists of ten steel gates that can be raised during high tides to block the surge of water from the North Sea. It has been an effective measure in protecting London from potential flooding incidents.

Explanation

In 1984, the Thames Barrier was officially opened. The Thames Barrier is a movable barrier system located on the River Thames in London, designed to prevent tidal surges and flooding in the city. Its construction began in 1974 and was completed ten years later, in 1984. The barrier consists of ten steel gates that can be raised during high tides to block the surge of water from the North Sea. It has been an effective measure in protecting London from potential flooding incidents.

8. In which year did the Thames completely freeze over in central London for the final time, allowing a 'frost fair' to take place on its frozen surface?

1666

1991

1900

1814

In 1814, the Thames completely froze over in central London for the final time, allowing a 'frost fair' to take place on its frozen surface. This event was significant because it marked the end of the tradition of frost fairs on the Thames, which had been held during severe winters when the river froze over. The freezing of the Thames was a rare occurrence, and the last time it happened was in 1814.

Explanation

In 1814, the Thames completely froze over in central London for the final time, allowing a 'frost fair' to take place on its frozen surface. This event was significant because it marked the end of the tradition of frost fairs on the Thames, which had been held during severe winters when the river froze over. The freezing of the Thames was a rare occurrence, and the last time it happened was in 1814.

9. Land levels have changed since ancient times, and the Thames was once a tributary of which European river?

Elba

Rhine

Danube

Seine

Land levels have changed over time, causing rivers to change their courses. In ancient times, the Thames River was a tributary of the Rhine River. This means that the Thames River flowed into the Rhine River, contributing to its water flow. However, due to geological changes, the course of the Thames River has since shifted, and it is no longer connected to the Rhine.

Explanation

Land levels have changed over time, causing rivers to change their courses. In ancient times, the Thames River was a tributary of the Rhine River. This means that the Thames River flowed into the Rhine River, contributing to its water flow. However, due to geological changes, the course of the Thames River has since shifted, and it is no longer connected to the Rhine.

10. Which famous landmark was built on Thorney Island (now reclaimed and part of 'mainland' London)?

Westminster Abbey

Southwark Cathedral

Tower of London

County Hall

Westminster Abbey was built on Thorney Island, which has now been reclaimed and is part of mainland London. The abbey is a famous landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a rich history and is known for its stunning Gothic architecture. Many notable events have taken place at Westminster Abbey, including royal weddings, coronations, and burials of famous figures. The abbey is an iconic symbol of London and attracts millions of visitors each year.

Explanation

Westminster Abbey was built on Thorney Island, which has now been reclaimed and is part of mainland London. The abbey is a famous landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a rich history and is known for its stunning Gothic architecture. Many notable events have taken place at Westminster Abbey, including royal weddings, coronations, and burials of famous figures. The abbey is an iconic symbol of London and attracts millions of visitors each year.