In the Middle Ages, before any bridges across the Thames existed, movement of goods and people along the river and across the river was critical. Such movement was however unregulated, and in 1197 King Richard I (who was short of cash) sold the Crown’s rights over the Thames to the City of London Corporation for the princely sum of 1,500 Marks. This equated to approximately £1,000 and the deal was completed on 14th July - the Corporation immediately started to regulate movements on the river.
Each year the Worshipful Company of Water Conservators presents an inscribed jug of Thames water to the Lord Mayor in recognition of this deal. Earlier today in the Mansion House, I presented the current Lord Mayor with his jug of Thames water to mark the 817th anniversary of this event, together with an illuminated copy of my address. I was accompanied by Fiona (the Mistress), Richard Waller (Fleet Warden) and Ralph Riley our Clerk.
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