Frost Fair of 1683: A Frozen Spectacle on the Thames

Featured in A Trail Through Time by Jodi Taylor

In “A Trail Through Time” by Jodi Taylor, Max and the team from the St Mary’s Institute of Historical Research jump back to the Frost Fair of 1683 to try and avoid the Time Police.

Here we explore this extraordinary event which provided Londoners with a unique opportunity to celebrate amidst the icy landscape, giving rise to one of the most memorable spectacles in the city's history. The winter of 1683 was exceptionally cold, with temperatures plummeting far below freezing for an extended period. As a result, the River Thames, the lifeline of London, froze over to an unprecedented extent. The thick layer of ice spread across the river, effectively halting maritime traffic and creating a surreal scene in the heart of the city.

The freezing of the Thames presented Londoners with an unusual opportunity. Where ships once sailed and barges plied their trade, now lay a solid sheet of ice, offering a platform for impromptu festivities. The citizens of London wasted no time in seizing this rare occasion, transforming the frozen river into a bustling fairground.

The Frost Fair of 1683 offered a diverse array of entertainments and amusements for visitors of all ages. Market stalls sprung up on the ice, selling an assortment of goods ranging from food and drink to trinkets and souvenirs. Enterprising vendors set up makeshift taverns, serving hot beverages and hearty fare to ward off the winter chill.

One of the most popular attractions at the Frost Fair was ice skating. With the river frozen solid, people flocked to the ice to indulge in this exhilarating pastime. In addition to ice skating, the Frost Fair featured a variety of novelty acts and spectacles. Visitors could witness daring performers, such as jugglers, acrobats, and fire-eaters, showcasing their talents on the ice. There were also exhibitions of curious oddities, including exotic animals and peculiar artifacts, adding to the sense of wonder and excitement.

The Frost Fair of 1683 stands as a captivating chapter in the history of London, a testament to the extraordinary events that can unfold when nature takes its course. For a brief moment in time, the frozen Thames became a stage for jubilant celebration and communal revelry, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to captivate imaginations to this day.

Find out how Max and the team fared at The Frost Fair in “A Trail Through Time” by Jodi Taylor. Available in paperback, eBook and audiobook formats.

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