THAMES GUIDE CONTAINING THIRTY-FIVE DIAGRAMS FROM LOCK TO LOCK, AND OVER ONE HUNDRED ILLUSTRATIONS FROM PUTNEY TO OXFORD, ALSO USEFUL UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION. LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE PROPRIETORS BY UNWIN BROTHERS, LTD., PUBLISHED BY SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, HAMILTON, KENT & Co., Ltd. 1902. HE "ROYAL THAMES GUIDE" is the indispensable pocket companion of every lover of the Thames, be he tourist, boater, artist, antiquary, angler, photographer, idler, or perchance a happy combination of all. Books galore have been published descriptive of the scenery of the Thames, but none that treat in practical fashion of the things to be done, and the things to be seen, during a holiday on the river, whether long or short. In these days of brain fag and nerve strain, who does not turn lovingly to the broad bosom of good old Father Thames, there to rest and recreate at will? There is no restorative in the pharmacopoeia like an up-river holiday. What "Bradshaw" and "A. B. C." are to the railway traveller, what the "Road Book" is to the cyclist, what the chart of the main is to the mariner, such is the ROYAL THAMES GUIDE to all those who go down to the river in search of health, pleasure, or recreation. A special and original feature of the "Guide" is a system of lock to lock maps. This shows at a glance the exact position of places. of interest. Our American brothers show an increasing admiration for Father Thames, and spend much of their summer holiday basking on his breast. It is matter for great gratulation that John and Jonathan chum so cordially up river. The needs of our ever welcome American visitors have been borne in mind in the compilation of the " 'Guide," and those hotels mentioned which cater for Transatlantic tastes are specially noticed. A wise man once said that the finest scenery in the world was improved by having a good hotel in the foreground. There is a power of practicality in the remark. Camping out has its delights for vigorous souls, especially in fine weather, but even the heartiest are often glad of a good hostelry, where the comfort of the creature is studied and realised. The Editor has made it part of his plan to taste and see for himself the accommodation provided by the various hotels up the river, giving special mention not only to the fashionable first-class hotels, but to the more deserving establishments catering for the wants of those with whom economy is an object. Courtesy and fair-dealing have alone formed the passport to the editorial commendation. It may be mentioned en passant that the needs of the amateur photographer have been remembered, and those hotels and places noted which possess dark-room accommodation. As with hotel keepers, so with boatbuilders, and the numerous providers for the needs of the Thames traveller. Of these the Editor speaks as he has found, and happily in most cases he has not found them wanting either in good-nature or goodwill. The requirements of those who delight to dwell in houseboats have also been carefully remembered, as will be observed on reference to the text. The best positions for the boats are given, with particulars of agents' charges for the letting by the season of these cosy and fashionable craft. A special word of thanks is due to the officers of the Thames Conservancy, for their invariable courtesy and valuable assistance. All, from the heads of departments to the lock-keepers, have helped materially to make the ROYAL THAMES GUIDE what it is-an accurate and reliable vade mecum. The Editor invites the co-operation of all interested in the Royal Thames in making the "Guide" as attractive and complete as possible. Any suggestions for the improvement of the work will be gladly received by the Editor, and should be sent to him at as early a date as possible. Unfortunately since going to press, we have discovered several alterations in proprietorships, &c. This, however, will be rectified in our next edition. |