Thames

Thames. THE, takes its rise in the Cotswolds, in Gloucestershire, its early course consisting of the Leach, Coln, and Churn. In passing Oxford it receives the name of Isis, and becomes the Thames after receiving the Thame at Dorchester. It flows past Reading - where it receives the Kennet - Great Marlow, Maidenhead, Windsor, Staines, Kingston, Richmond, London, Greenwich, Woolwich, and Gravesend, where the estuary begins. The chief tributaries on the left bank are the Windrush, Cherwell, Thame, Coln, Lea, Roding, and the Kennet, Loddon Wey, Darent, Mole, Waddon, Medway on the right. Its course to the Nore is 250 miles longm or 120 miles in a direct line. At London Bridge the width is 290 yards, at Woolwich 490 yards, at Gravesend 1,200 yards, and at the Nore lightship 6 miles. Of the bridges on its lower course London Bridge is the oldest, and the magnificent bascule Tower Bridge the newest. The part of the river immediately below London Budge is called the Pool, and that, with the lower portions, constitutes the Port of London. Ships of 800 tons can come up to St. Katherine's Dock, while the lower docks, especially those of Tilbury, will accommodate the largest vessels. The Thames in London has been greatly improved by the Embankments. In its course the Thames separates Oxford, Buckingham, Midd1esex, and Essex on the N. from Wilts, Berks, Surrey, and Kent on the S.