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These fascinating black and white photos show the River Thames in its historic glory, with the earliest dating back almost 150 years.

From the Boat Race to flying boats outside the Houses of Parliament, the pictures show a variety of famous landmarks and events along London’s famous waterway.

Taken between 1877 and 1972, they include stunning aerial views and daring stunts.

One striking snap shows uniformed police officers in ice skates gliding along the frozen river during a particularly cold winter at the end of the 19th century.

Another image shows a man on a makeshift raft rescuing a family from their flooded home in Rotherhithe during the disastrous Thames flood of 1928.

In another, two East End children are seen playing in the shadow of Tower Bridge on an artificial beach that was installed following the Second World War.

Alex Werner, Head of History Collections at the Museum of London, previously said the images paid tribute to a feature of London too often forgotten about amid the pace of modern life.

“The magic of the river is that we don’t take enough notice of it, or think about it enough,” he said.

“It’s an amazing resource. It’s always changing. It’s an evocative backdrop.

“London without the Thames wouldn’t be London.

“But we’ve turned our backs on it. Commuters today coming over the river on a railway bridge, they’re more likely to be on their phones.

“These images showcase the river.”