As the life source of London, and numerous settlements besides, people have paid spiritual tribute to the Thames for centuries. Part of it even remains named after the Egyptian goddess, Isis.
Such homage continues to this day; early each year, the Blessing of the River Thames takes place in the centre of London Bridge. The short service — sees the coming together of the clergy and congregations from Southwark Cathedral and St Magnus the Martyr — churches sitting either side of the river bank.
During the service, the bells of St Magnus peal, while prayers are offered to bridge and river users — including the RNLI and River Police — as well as those who have died in the Thames. A wooden cross is then tossed into the waters, a nod to the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
You can almost picture the eccentric ritual taking place long ago, when London bridge was a medieval street, but this particular blessing has only been going since the 21st century. That said, we did discover that in 1964, the Thames was blessed by Archbishop Anthony Bloom at the Victoria Embankment, as part of an annual ceremony then traditionally held in Reading.
This year's (2024) blessing take place on Sunday 14 January, and anyone is welcome to take part or simply observe. If you can't make it this time, tribute is also paid to the Thames further upriver at Teddington — that blessing takes place in the summer.
The Blessing of the River Thames takes place in the middle of London Bridge, Sunday 14 January 2024. The blessing itself (which is short) takes place at 12.30pm, although if you like, you can also attend a service at either church beforehand, then join a procession to the bridge. It's free to attend.
