The Port of London Authority (PLA), responsible for the Thames between Teddington Lock to way out in estuary, is 100 years old this year.It's been a eventful century - from the bustling docks of the British Empire, to the devastation of the Blitz, to the collapse of shipping thirty odd years ago. Now the PLA's remit covers everything from leisure craft to environmental duties.
Their web site, here, is a storehouse of information about the goings on on the Thames, including:
- History of the PLA
- Ship arrivals and departures (and a reasuringly number of them too)
- Predicted tide tables and live tide heights
- Downloadable PDF of Guide for recreational users
- Notices for Mariners
And this weekend this centenary is a central part of the Thames Festival, with fireworks, feast on the bridge, river pageant, and classic yachts rally.
If you're in London its definitely worth checking out.
