Tunnels of the River Fleet

‘The River Fleet is the largest of London’s subterranean rivers.

‘In Roman times, the Fleet was a major river, with its estuary possibly containing the oldest tidal mill in the world. In Anglo-Saxon times, the Fleet was still a substantial body of water, joining the Thames at the mouth of the Fleet Valley.

‘Many wells were built along its banks; in the 13th century the river was called River of Wells. By the 13th century, it was considered polluted. The flow of the river was reduced greatly by increasing industry. As London grew, the river became increasingly a sewer.

‘Today The Fleet can be heard through a grating in Ray Street, Clerkenwell‘

- Wikipedia

'This ancient side tunnel offers a glimpse of the original stonework of Christopher Wren's Fleet Bridge, built c.1676 to replace the previous bridge damaged in the fire of 1666. The entirety of the bridge is still intact, beneath the bricks of the 1924 re-lining works.' - John Doe

All images by Sub Urban