River Fleet Collection

The mouth of the Holebourne under Blackfriars Bridge (b / w photo)
3637566 The mouth of the Holebourne under Blackfriars Bridge (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The mouth of the Holebourne under Blackfriars Bridge)

Repair of the Fleet Sewer (engraving)
587123 Repair of the Fleet Sewer (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Repair of the Fleet Sewer, London)

The Fleet Sewer (engraving)
1618710 The Fleet Sewer (engraving) by Weedon, Edwin (1819-79); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Fleet Sewer. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 21 January 1854)

What is left of the steep bank of the Holebourne from the summit and the base: Newcastle Street
3637569 What is left of the steep bank of the Holebourne from the summit and the base: Newcastle Street, City of London (b/w photo) by English Photographer

Highgate Ponds, c1876. Creator: Unknown
Highgate Ponds, c1876. Freshwater ponds on Hampstead Heath, fed by headwater springs of the River Fleet, originally dug in 17th and 18th centuries as reservoirs

The Fleet River, near St. Pancras, 1825, (c1876). Creator: Unknown
The Fleet River, near St. Pancras, 1825, (c1876). The River Fleet with headwaters on Hampstead Heath, goes underground through Kentish Town and on to St Pancras Old Church

View of the back of a house in Chick Lane, showing Fleet Ditch, City of London, 1844

Cold Bath Fields Prison, Finsbury, London, c1810. View of the Cold Bath Fields Prison from the north-west with the River Fleet in the foreground and the dome of St Pauls Cathedral in the distance

Last Vestige of the River Fleet, ... on the East side of Fleet Road, Hampstead, 1880
Last Vestige of the River Fleet, in the Rear of Houses on the East side of Fleet Road, Hampstead, London, 1880

The Fleet Ditch near West Street, during alterations, 1844
The Fleet Ditch near West Street. From a sketch taken during alterations, 1844.Engraving from Old and new London Volume 2 by Walter Thornbury.Published by Cassell, Petter and Galpin

Fleet Bridge, London in the 17th century, from The National and Domestic History
KW329945 Fleet Bridge, London in the 17th century, from The National and Domestic History of England by William Hickman Smith Aubrey (1858-1916) published London, c.1890 (litho) by English School

Detail of River Thames and St Pauls Cathedral from Civitas Londinium (woodblock
XJF1766046 Detail of River Thames and St Pauls Cathedral from Civitas Londinium (woodblock print) by Agas, Ralph (c.1540-1621); Private Collection; (add.info.: Known as the Agas Map)

Spined Loach (Cobitis taenia) and (Noemacheilus barbatulus) adults, on ruler in tray during Environment Agency river survey, River Fleet, Nottinghamshire, England, June

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"The River Fleet: A Journey Through Time and Transformation" Step back in time as we explore the captivating history of the River Fleet, a hidden gem that winds its way through the heart of London. From its humble beginnings at the mouth of the Holebourne under Blackfriars Bridge, this river has witnessed centuries of change. In black and white photographs, we glimpse into the past, witnessing moments like the repair of the Fleet Sewer and what remains of the steep bank of Holebourne from Newcastle Street. These images transport us to a bygone era when life flowed alongside these waters. The Highgate Ponds capture a serene scene from 1876, reminding us that nature once thrived along this urban waterway. The unknown creator's lens transports us to another time where tranquility reigned amidst bustling city streets. Moving forward in time but still shrouded in mystery is an engraving depicting St. Pancras' section of the Fleet River in 1825. Its creator may be unknown, but their work immortalizes a moment frozen in history. Chick Lane reveals itself through an intriguing view showcasing both a house and Fleet Ditch intertwined with City life in 1844. Cold Bath Fields Prison stands tall as a reminder of darker times around Finsbury during c1810. As progress marched on relentlessly, alterations were made to shape and tame this ancient watercourse near West Street. We catch glimpses into these changes through engravings capturing moments during those transformative years. Our journey concludes with one last glance at what remains - an image captured from Hampstead's East side along Fleet Road in 1880. It serves as a poignant reminder that even rivers can succumb to human intervention over time. The River Fleet tells tales untold; it bears witness to London's evolution while retaining fragments of its own story within each bend and curve. As we reflect upon these snapshots frozen in time, let them serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of this remarkable waterway.