Earlier this year, I won the BlueLightCamp Hackathon. Usually prizes are a token of appreciation – vouchers, a books, maybe even a new phone if you’re lucky. This, however, was a “money can’t buy” prize – a trip through the Thames Barrier.
And so, during one of London’s delightfully wet summer’s days, I made my way to the site in Greenwich.
Here are some of the photos I took during the trip.
The first thing to note is that the site is an active industrial area – it’s not a museum. There are people working every day to keep London safe.
Think I need one of these in my daily life ☺#ThamesBarrier pic.twitter.com/EfE8aWgA4F
— Terence Eden (@edent) August 8, 2014
I expected the barriers themselves to be solid lumps – ready to repel the advancing tide.
Did you know, the #ThamesBarrier is HOLLOW? pic.twitter.com/P8sX8hPL0c
— Terence Eden (@edent) August 8, 2014
The size and scale of the machinery is immense.
We *need* to hold a BarCamp here. Health and Safety be Damned! #ThamesBarrier pic.twitter.com/FlFZ4HI2ju
— Terence Eden (@edent) August 8, 2014
Being under that much water means that there is the occasional ingress of liquid.
THERE IS NOTHING TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT! #ThamesBarrier pic.twitter.com/7PfKVtcCWr
— Terence Eden (@edent) August 8, 2014
I repeat – London is secure!
This is right under Pier 8. It's fine. Honestly. #ThamesBarrier pic.twitter.com/bBKf5sflKY— Terence Eden (@edent) August 8, 2014
The whole area can get quite damp – which means that pipes often rust and need replacing.
Security on the area is very tight. It’s impossible to get in without going through a number of locked gates. The last thing they want is some idiot randomly pressing buttons…
The urge to press this button is overwhelming! #ThamesBarrier pic.twitter.com/tY7KlZwaCK
— Terence Eden (@edent) August 8, 2014
The tunnels underneath the Thames have stairwells leading onto each platform.
What a beauty! #ThamesBarrier pic.twitter.com/tXtQVgemJi
— Terence Eden (@edent) August 8, 2014
I had expected that the barriers would be constructed purely of man-made materials. That is not the case.
Fun fact! As well as being hollow, the #ThamesBarrier is partly made of wood. Pine mostly. pic.twitter.com/FgSl80L4mV
— Terence Eden (@edent) August 8, 2014
Each pier is fully equipped with a wide range of machinery.
The view from on top Pier 6 of the #ThamesBarrier. Stunning! pic.twitter.com/nH9XzW0cu7
— Terence Eden (@edent) August 8, 2014
This bit did NOT just fall off the #ThamesBarrier and – even if it did – it was NOT my fault! pic.twitter.com/fOjZHUOc2h
— Terence Eden (@edent) August 8, 2014
Obligatory selfie ☺#ThamesBarrier pic.twitter.com/vWBOaGU1w3
— Terence Eden (@edent) August 8, 2014
The tunnels themselves are dark, dank, and a little creepy. They trail off into the distance in a perfectly straight line. They are silent except for the faint drip of water and the buzz of the lights.
It's like being in an episode of 1980s Doctor Who ☺#ThamesBarrier pic.twitter.com/Ee3Q7leB5o
— Terence Eden (@edent) August 8, 2014
At times, when walking through, it feels like the tunnel goes on forever.
One last image from my tour of #ThamesBarrier – I've no idea what this is, but it looks *very* important. pic.twitter.com/0DTS4OIugn
— Terence Eden (@edent) August 8, 2014
Finally, it’s worth taking a moment not only to marvel at this engineering wonder – but to remember the devastating forces of nature which lead to its creation.
Many thanks to the Environment Agency for their generous prize and for letting us experience a hidden part of London.