Forty years ago today, the Thames Barrier was officially opened. It was designed to protect London from flooding until 2030. It’s now expected to function until 2070. One notable incident in the barrier's history was when a 3,000-tonne dredger crashed into it on a foggy morning in October 1997. According to a report, the dredger hit one of the barrier’s concrete piers, causing extensive damage to the vessel and superficial damage to the barrier. The master of the dredger was found to have failed

Afternoon Plus chats with singer Adam Ant about his decision to move away from the theatrical element of his performances and focus on his singing and songwriting. Transmitted in 1982. | Thames TV Archive

Impressionists Mike Yarwood and Suzanne Danielle take on Prince Charles and the late Diana, Princess of Wales in a sketch where they are interviewed by newsreader Selina Scott. Recorded for the Yarwood Xmas Special 1982. | Thames TV Archive

17K views · 86 reactions | The Thames Barrier is a 520-meter wide construction built to protect London from any freak floods or tidal surges that could spell disaster for the city. But with rising sea levels and the climate emergency growing, can it still fulfill the duty it was designed for? | Interesting Engineering | Facebook

Today the Thames Barrier closes for the 200th time! This means that the Barrier once more protects the heart of London from potential flooding: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/thames-barrier-closed-for-200th-time 🎥 Press Association | Environment Agency