For many people, the river Thames is London. From the Houses of Parliament to the cultural landmarks of the South Bank, and from Waterloo Bridge to the infamous Tower of London, its iconic buildings and bridges are as well known to people who’ve never visited the city as they are to those who’ve plied their trade on the river for generations.

But the Thames is far more than a collection of sights, and it’s no exaggeration to say that without it, London would never have developed into the metropolis it is now. The Romans were the first to recognise its importance, and over the years the river helped the city to develop its potential as a major centre for business and commerce.

By the 16th century, it was trading with every corner of the world, and its dockyards teemed with all types of vessels. As the British Empire expanded so did the river’s importance, and by the middle of the 18th century, it was one of the busiest stretches of water in the world, as well as one of the dirtiest.

But it cleaned up its act and, incredible as it might seem, these days you can spot dolphins swimming in its estuary. And although the ships have moved to other ports, and traders of a different sort occupy the towers of the financial district of Canary Wharf, the river as busy as ever. Take a leisurely boat trip, or for the more adventurous, a high-speed RIB excursion, and you’ll see London’s history – and its future – in a single afternoon.