Life of a river: evocative photos frame the Thames as an artery of culture

Oxford: a pagan river ritual, organised by the Oxford Pagan Circle. The ritual is personalised with blue fabrics, wine in a goblet, incense, and a postcard of the famous Hokusai wave.  

Kemble, Gloucestershire: A honey jar in a hollow, possibly an offering, at what has been suggested as source of the Thames at Kemble in Gloucestershire. An unidentified symbol is drawn on the label. 

Twickenham, London: a riverside encampment next to a makeshift raft house. The occupant is said to have lived there for 30 years.

Southwark, London: Congregations of St Magnus the Martyr and Southwark Cathedral meet on London Bridge on Epiphany in early January, which marks the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. Prayers are said, then a priest throws a wooden cross into the river.

Southwark, London: 'Mudlarking,' or foraging for items of interest, on the banks of the Thames at low tide. Metal detectors require a permit; important finds of archaeological interest must be reported to the Museum of London. 

Southend-on-Sea, Essex: girls drink by the water near the Southend amusements. 

Southend-on-Sea, Essex: floral tributes drift on the water at a place where ashes were scattered. The Southend pier, which stretches over a mile out into the Thames estuary, is a popular place for this funerary ritual.