Place    To 1765

River Fleet

Categories: Gardens / Agriculture

Dead End Street has a useful map showing the route of the old Fleet River and its tributaries, long ago buried in storm drains / large sewer pipes. The river used to flood, even into the 1930s.

It is said that you can still hear it gurgling past through a grating in Farringdon Road near the Guardian's old offices. And Diamond Geezer has tracked the entire course. In periods of heavy rain the river gives out into the Thames at Blackfriars Bridge. This image shows that site, from the Thames, c.1750.

2016: You want to see the River Fleet? Londonist have the post for you.

2019: The Islington Tribune reported that the River Fleet flows beneath the basement of an extension at the Sekforde pub and it is now being used to generate heating and also to cool the beer. Would we all had a river in the basement!

2025: There is a series of Camden plaques for the river, of which we have found 3 so far.  Are there more?  This series was inspired by the Effra plaques which were also designed by Atelier Works.

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
River Fleet

Commemorated ati

Fleet River floods - Goldington Crescent

{Around the outer ring:} The hidden River Fleet flows nearby. Goldington Cre...

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Fleet River floods - Purchese Street

{Around the edge:} The hidden River Fleet flows nearby. {In the centre:} Eas...

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Fleet River tributary - Mount Pleasant

The plaque's prominent reference to Queen Square is confusing. The map at Dea...

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Somers Town Mural

This mural was commissioned by the GLC in 1980 and moved to this site by St P...

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Tipperary pub

Maps showing the route of the River Fleet do not show it passing through this...

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Other Subjects

Edward Bowman

Edward Bowman

Known as Ted Bowman, he was a volunteer head gardener at All Hallows Church Gardens, 1970 - 2014. From this report of his funeral we learn that he was also chair of the Trustees of Borough Market a...

Person, Gardens / Agriculture, Politics & Administration

1 memorial
Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens

Officially, The Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. They originated in the garden of Kew Park formed by Lord Capel John of Tewkesbury. They were extended by Augusta, Dowager Princess of Wales and further...

Place, Gardens / Agriculture

4 memorials
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

From their website: "The RSPB is a charity for the conservation of birds and nature. We bring people together who love birds and other wildlife, and who want to take action to restore the health an...

Group, Animals, Gardens / Agriculture

1 memorial
Cobley Farm and  Fallow Farm

Cobley Farm and Fallow Farm

First documented in 1674, at its largest the farmland was bounded by High Road, Ballards Lane, Long Lane, Squire's Lane.  The Cobley family owned he farm from 1680 to 1902 when it was sold, the bui...

Place, Gardens / Agriculture, Property

4 memorials
Sir Reginald Blomfield

Sir Reginald Blomfield

Architect, garden designer and author. Born Devon. Followed his uncle, Sir Arthur Blomfield, into architecture. Buildings include: United University Club (1906), south-east corner of Suffolk Stree...

Person, Architecture, Gardens / Agriculture

6 memorials