As we approach the annual ice skating season in London, it is worth recalling that ice skating has been going on in London for many years – indeed, most people will recall the stories of the River Thames freezing over and people skating on it.

The River will never freeze like that again – alas, as the river is now much more narrow and hence flows faster so it can’t slow down to freeze. Also, there was a “mini ice age” at the time and the narrow gaps in the London Bridge caused a significant slowing of the river flow as well.

Anyhow – just over 100 years ago, on the 15th January 1867 was an ice skating disaster on Regents Park Lake. At around 3:30 in the afternoon there were about 500 people on the ice sheet when it was seen to move away from the bankside and split into several pieces. Most of the people stranded on the ice were rescued – but a total of 40 people died in the incident. The dead people were all thrown into the water in its deepest part of the lake.

The lake was later lowered in depth to help prevent further deaths.

NEWSLETTER

Be the first to know what's on in London, and the latest news published on ianVisits.

You can unsubscribe at any time from my weekly emails.

SUPPORT THIS WEBSITE

This website has been running now for over a decade, and while advertising revenue contributes to funding the website, it doesn't cover the costs. That is why I have set up a facility with DonorBox where you can contribute to the costs of the website and time invested in writing and research for the news articles.

It's very similar to the way The Guardian and many smaller websites are now seeking to generate an income in the face of rising costs and declining advertising.

Whether it's a one-off donation or a regular giver, every additional support goes a long way to covering the running costs of this website, and keeping you regularly topped up doses of Londony news and facts.

If you like what you read on here, then please support the website here.

Thank you

Home >> News >> History