London scoping - ukcip

Final Report
134
glistening pebbles gliding playfully, amongst which Holywell, Clerkenwell and St. Clement’s
well are, of most note.” (quoted in Fitter, 1945).
The little River Walbrook flowed openly through the City of London in the middle ages,
entering the Thames at the dock of Dowgate. The River Fleet (or Holebourne) was large
enough in medieval times to be navigable to Holborn Bridge. The Fleet then became notorious
as an open sewer (Fitter 1945). These ‘lost rivers’ are now part of the underground sewerage
system. Marshes and fenlands existed throughout London, e.g. Moorfields (site of Finsbury
Square today) and much of the West End.
6.13.2 Flooding and Rainfall Intensity Impacts
Such histories are interesting insights into potential futures for London in a world of climate
change. Is there opportunity to open-up culverted rivers and streams, or to re-establish
wetlands? Do such water ways and wetlands provide clues regarding where future flooding
might occur?
In addition to this, more stormy weather poses a threat to the integrity of buildings and may
require higher expenditure on repairs and maintenance.
As for archaeological artefacts, the change in the flow patterns of the River Thames has already
resulted in the un-covering of more extensive archaeological remnants. This is to be welcomed
to the extent that it provides more archaeological evidence which can be used to illuminate the
history of the city. On the other hand, however, the uncovering process potentially puts at risk
the integrity and stability of the very remains which are so revealed. More resources may be
required to protect such uncovered remains until such time as they can be stabilised and/or
researched. Continued change in the flow patterns of the River Thames is likely due to sealevel
rise, change in rainfall patterns and adaptation to such changes, e.g. operation of the
Thames Barrier.
6.13.3 Temperature Change Impacts
More resources will probably be required to maintain the integrity of London’s historic
buildings and the materials contained therein. For example, internal temperature control will be
an important requirement to protect delicate fabrics, furniture and furnishings.
Soil subsidence from drying out of clay soils could threaten the structural stability of older
buildings. Historical buildings are much less readily adapted to climate change and there are
likely to be planning and regulatory obstacles to any major structural or aesthetic modification.
Hence, such buildings may be less adaptable and readily used than they are currently.
6.13.4 Socio-Economic Scenario Differences
Under GM, there is likely to be more building and re-development. This would result in
potentially larger areas of historic London being uncovered and requiring investigation (or
acceptance that this is not feasible). Under RS, there will be a slower pace of change and
probably greater interest in the history of the city.