Woolwich Ferry

The Woolwich Ferry is a boat service across the River Thames which is operated by the London Borough of Greenwich, and licensed and financed by London River Services, the maritime arm of Transport for London. The boats carry foot passengers and any sized vehicles from bicycles to the largest lorries. The service links Woolwich in the London Borough of Greenwich with North Woolwich in the London Borough of Newham. It also links two ends of the inner London orbital road routes - the North and South Circular Roads. A ferry service had operated across the river at Woolwich since at least the 14th century. The free ferry service was instigated by Sir Joseph Bazalgette using powers granted in the Metropolitan Board of Works (Various Powers) Act 1885, and was officially opened on 23 March 1889. This episode will take you on the crossing over the Thames, observing the Thames barrier from the seaward (unprotected) side. The two ferry boats in operation 'synchronise' with each other, passing each other as one heads south and one heads north, swapping shores every few minutes.