Subterranean rivers of London


The subterranean or underground rivers of London are or were the direct or indirect tributaries of the upper estuary of the Thames that were built over during the growth of the metropolis of London. They now flow through culverts, with some of them integral parts of London's sewerage system and diverted accordingly.

North of the Thames

From west to east – sub-tributaries are shown indented

South of the Thames

From west to east – sub-tributaries are shown indented

Development

In June 2008, the office of Mayor of London published outline plans to reinstate some underground rivers. In January 2009, a partnership among the Environment Agency, Natural England, The River Restoration Centre, and the Greater London Authority set out a strategy for putting this into effect by creating the London Rivers Action Plan.