Thames Flood Barrier stamp 1983

Thames Flood Barrier stamp 1983

Key facts

• The Thames Flood Barrier at Woolwich in London is designed to stop central London from being flooded by the river
• The river at that point is 523 metres wide
• The barrier is made of steel
• Sea level is likely to rise to such a level that the Thames Barrier will no longer be enough protection by 2030 if not before
• When the tide is high in the North Sea and the river is high in Teddington, in South West London, this triggers the barrier to close
• The stamp was issued on 25 May 1983 as part of the Europa Engineering Achievements issue. Also in the issue were stamps commemorating the Humber Bridge and Iolair (an oilfield emergency support vessel)