The Thames has a long history. This illustrated guide traces the history of its crossing places, and relates their origins to local use and that of long-distance traders. Author Amy Woolacott has found more than 150 crossings of past and present and many ancient crossing places are still in use today. Examining their history paints a vivid picture of life as it was as the river developed and flourished with trade. More cross-country routes formed as trade developed but older river crossings frequently conflicted with river users. All of the bridges featured in this book can be walked to or visited by boat and the author has visited them all. This detailed book presents to the reader a snapshot of life as our immigrant ancestors saw it.