The Thames Barge Driving Race under oars' or "sweeps" and ride tidal river currents alone, up river. The event commemorates the skills of lightermen who moved freight this way along the Thames up until the 1930s and in a wider context it encourages ongoing interest in moving cargo via water and as a way to recruit younger people back into river trades.The teams are normally made up of employees of Thames Lighterage companies, Port of London Authority or are sponsored by local businesses. The best places to view the race are Tower Bridge, London Bridge and Westminster Bridge. During the 1970s Britain suffered a major
London Bridge City Pier London Bridge City Pier London Bridge City Pier (also known as London Bridge Pier and City Pier) is situated on the south bank of the River Thames in London, UK, close to London Bridge. It serves as the main pier for the City of London and City Hall, headquarters of the London Assembly. The pier is also close to Hay's Galleria, HMS Belfast and Borough Market and the Shard. London Bridge City Pier is served by the Thames commuter catamaran service run by Thames Clippers. Boats run regularly from Embankment and the London Eye, and on to Tower Millennium Pier,