Viv Schrager-Powell talks about the new walk River to Riches she has developed with David Charnick. You can join them on 17th April, 24th April, 27th April, 30th April and 2nd May

London from Southwark c1630. Unknown Dutch school, unsigned.

River to Riches – Why the River Thames was vital to London’s financial growth

This guided Thames-side walk tells the story of how the City of London built up its immense concentration of wealth, from the early trading days of the Romans to the global financial centre that is today’s “Square Mile.”

River to Riches; a brand new Footprints of London walk, is lead by City of London guides Dave Charnick and Viv Schrager-Powell. Two guides for the price of one!

We meet at Mansion House Station and head south to join the river at the ancient dock of Queenhithe, which is close by Southwark Bridge. From there we progress eastwards to St Katharine’s Dock, along the water-front path which just happens to feature some of the most spectacular views the Thames has to offer.

Using the river as a backdrop, Dave and Viv tell the story of how tides and favourable winds brought ships in and out of the Port of London, in the days before planes and trains, at a time when the river was the only viable route into and out of the nation’s heart. Right up until recent times this particular stretch of the Thames played a vital part in the history of England’s rise to global power.