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In 1953 a disastrous flood occurred along the Thames Estuary, caused by a surge tide off the North Sea, resulting in the drowning of some 300 people, and approximately 160,000 acres of farmland being swamped in seawater. An unpredictable phenomenon originating in the North Atlantic when areas of low pressure cause a sea mass beneath to rise slightly, these 'raised humps' of water normally travel North of Scotland. Occasionally, however, the northerly winds can force them into the North Sea and, ultimately, to the Thames Estuary. Further complications are experienced by the natural rise of sea levels, caused by the melting of the polar ice cap.

As it was becoming abundantly clear that the population of London were facing a serious threat of regular, and unpredictable, flooding, work began on the flood barrier in 1974. It took a further eight years to construct, and was officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen in 1982.

The barrier itself comprises nine, huge piers set at intervals across the river, which form six main shipping lanes and four smaller channels. Between these piers are steel gates, up to 200ft wide, that lay in a concrete cradle on the sea bed (some 50ft below the surface). When the barrier needs to be raised, these gates are swung through 90 degrees by hydraulic arms to form the required barrier between the piers. A very impressive piece of engineering that is actually designed on the same basis as the everyday, domestic gas tap.

To ensure that in times of emergency the barrier will, in fact, perform it's required function, it is tested on a monthly basis at low tide for a couple of hours, and for a full day at high tide once a year. The testing dates are published well in advance to allow visitors to see the barrier in operation. For anyone living in and around London, this great construction provides not only a very impressive sight, but also a great feeling of comfort, and the reassurance that it will avert any potential disaster.

Further information on the barrier construction and operation can be obtained from the Thames Barrier visitor centre.

The Thames Barrier was designed to protect the capital from flooding until at least the year 2030. Based on the estimates of rising sea levels at the time it was designed, there is no current reason to doubt that the Barrier will serve its full intended term. The high water level at London Bridge has risen by about 75 cm each century, due to a combination of melting Polar ice caps, the tilting of the British Isles towards Europe (the south of England is sinking at a rate of 30 cm per century), and the activities of man. Currently, due to global warming some authorities now suggest that sea levels are estimated to start rising globally at about a meter per century. However, the major flood threat to central London, which the Barrier was designed to prevent, is from surge tides. These are 'humps' of water, crossing the Atlantic and which usually pass north of Britain but, if driven by northerly winds (usually in winter), may descend into the North Sea and cause flooding on the surrounding coasts and along the banks of the tidal Thames.