The big freeze of 1895: the photographs of William Bartier
In January and February 1895, a severe cold spell created huge ice floes on the Thames. Although the river did not freeze over, the ice played havoc with the workings of the port.
The photographer William Bartier, of 134 East India Dock Road, took several images of the big freeze at different points on the river.
Below Limehouse.
This photograph shows the Lower Pool below Limehouse. The ice floes have immobilsed the lighters, barges and sailing ships.
Below Blackwall.
This photograph shows several lighters trapped in the ice below Blackwall.
Off Charlton.
This is one of three photographs of Woolwich Reach off Charlton. Numerous lighters, barges and small craft lie trapped in the ice.
Off Charlton.
Another image of the big freeze off Charlton. This picture shows that larger vessels were also immobilised by the ice floes.
Off Charlton.
A third photograph of the big freeze off Charlton. A lighter lies completely marooned on the ice floes.
Off Blackwall.
A rare image of a ship under way during the big freeze of 1895. Steamers were the only vessels able to negotiate the ice floes.
