Where is the Source of the River Thames?

HP is the sauce of the Thames.

About sixty years ago, Michael Bentine in his show 'It's a Square World', went in search of the source of the Thames and traced it to a dripping tap somewhere in the Cotswolds. He turned the tap off and the river completely dried up with views of the empty river by the Palace of Westminster and Tower Bridge.

I was given a rowing boat as a gift in 1991 and to test it I rowed the Thames - source to Greenwich - solo. So I made the pilgimage across the meadows behind the Thames Head pub and took a selfie (film camera in those days) sitting beside the stone. I still have a replica of the Old Father Thames statue in my garden. As a yacht designer I then created a new type of long distance recreational sculling boat and over the next couple of years rowed the Douro, Guadiana, Mondego, Tagus, Gironde and the Loire. All source to tidal. Although I never went back to the Thames source (one can start rowing a little to the west of Lechlade where the Coln joins in) - I went on the row the Thames two more times. In '93 I 'won' the Great River Race solo at the age of 50 in another of my own designs. Still scull every day at the age of 80. Rivers are inspiring historical adventures. The oldest 'motorways'. Great video - takes me back - thanks.

20 plus years ago I walked, what I was led to believe at that time, the length of the Thames from Trewsbury Mead to the Thames Barrier. From what you have just said - I’ve got to do it again!!!! 😂

I'm from the U.S. and have never been to England, but this was still very pleasant to watch. I have lived near the Mississippi R. most of my life, far enough north to have visited its headwaters a number of times, and there's something special about seeing a great river like this, in places where it is still clear and pristine and unsullied by overuse.

All three locations are beautiful and every effort should be made to keep them that way for future generations...

What a beautiful, enchanting and absorbing documentary. First class as always Rob.

Rob, this absolutely did not disappoint. It seems to me the most obvious answer to this age old question is the River Thames has not one single source but three. Your effort was very informative and highly appreciated. Thanks so much for the work you do.

According to some old mid-Victorian era photographs I have, the source of the Thames is Seven Springs. However given that 7 springs emerge at this spot, it follows that the source is further away... prossibly in Wales! And thanks for taking the time to show this to us all.

From its humble beginnings as a tiny trickle to its majestic flow through London. Wonderfully relaxing and informative video.

55 years ago I went to the alledged source in the Cotswolds. It was a tiny trickle but I have never forgotten this.

Your presentation and research is wonderful. You hold my attention completely and I learn more from you than anyone. No waffling, interesting and informative, a massive Thank you.

Thankyou for this. I'm born and bred in London and I've always wondered where the source of the Thames was. I'd say all three sources combined are the source, not just Shrewsbury Mead. The 3 sources feed Shrewsbury Mead, so that makes them the true sources equally. How fascinating. If I was 50 years younger I'd visit them all. But I'm too old now, I'd never cope with all the walking. Lol. So thankyou for bringing this lovely story to me. Xx

Rob’s London on tour. Great video again. Look forward to more as always. 👍🏻

As an international student here in England, it’s a great pleasure to learn about the history of this remarkable country. Thank you!

Crazy to think that one bloke with a truck full of dirt could cause the entire Thames to dry up in a matter of weeks.

Wonderful video! Given that the Thames never dries up, it logically follows that it must have a source which never dries up either. That rules out Trewsbury Mead because that does dry up in the summer (but the Thames still flows). Therefore, the true source is likely to be one or both of the others. Seven Springs seems most likely.

Your voice is so relaxing, and your videos are always so informative in a kind of whimsical way 😊 I've been looking into the source of the Thames myself due to my interest in the restoration of the Thames & Severn Canal, so this video is right up my street 😃 Thank you for another fantastic video 😁

I live near Cheltenham and have often visited all of these locations plus the Devil's Chimney many times. I think that, although Seven Springs has its die hard advocates for most Trewsbury Mead is the recognised source of the Thames. In recent years( save for 2024) the lack of rainfall has meant that it was nigh on impossible to find any water at Ullenwood.

As a Proud Londoner it’s something I’ve occasionally pondered on. As always Rob a lovely beautifully shot and interesting video. Every you tuber should watch your videos to learn how to do it properly. Well done and thank you again. Best wishes, Mick