Last night I watched a programme about the history of the Thames and its bridges.  One of the topics was the Embankment.

The Thames Embankment is a major feat of 19th century civil engineering designed to reclaim marshy land next to the River Thames in central London.

There had been a long history of failed proposals to embank the Thames in central London. Embankments along the Thames were first proposed by Christopher Wren in the 1660s.

Started in 1862, the present embankment on the northern side of the river was primarily designed by Sir Joseph Bazalgette. It incorporates the main low level interceptor sewer from west London, and an underground railway over which a wide road and riverside walkway were also constructed, as well as a retaining wall along the north side of the River Thames.

However, the impact of the scheme was to move the river back from the former riverside and (with the introduction of the car) the road over the Embankment has become a barrier between the former riverside and the Thames.

Crossing the Embankment I entered Somerset House via the former riverboat entrance.

I had intended to take some shots of the courtyard, but I bargained without the preparations for London Fashion Week being underway.

Nevertheless, Somerset House is a simply beautiful location.

Taken with my X-Pro1, 14mm and 35mm lenses.