Thames Barge Driving Last Saturday

The 4^th July is synonymous with celebration, as it's the day of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when the USA declared independence from Great Britain. But this year it was the cause for celebration here in the UK too, as we welcomed the 40^th Thames Barge Driving Race on the Thames.   [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAlOVAkMHU0]   The historic race is known as London's most unique rowing event. Considerable skill is needed to pilot the unpowered barges, which are rowed under oars or sweeps and ride the tidal river currents alone, up river.     The event commemorated the skills of lightermen who moved freight this way along the Thames up until the 1930s. It also encouraged ongoing interest in moving cargo via water and it's a great way to recruit younger people back into river trades. If there's one thing London loves, it's a race on the Thames!   If you weren't lucky enough to spot the race on Saturday you can find out more about it here.