The Thames Barrier.

Repro ID: H0510

Description: The Thames Barrier is a series of ten separate gates positioned across the river. Each gate is pivoted and supported between concrete piers that house the operating equipment. Closing the barrier seals off part of the upper Thames from the sea. When not in use, the six rising gates rest out of sight allowing free passage of river traffic through the openings between the piers. If a dangerously high tidal surge threatens, the rising sector gates are moved up and the four radial gates are bought down into the closed defence position. The gates thus form a continuous steel wall facing down river ready to stem the tide.

Creator: Unknown

Date: 15 Sep 1982

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London