The Preservation of the Thames Act

The level of importance placed upon preservation of the River Thames is evident in this Act from the reign of Henry VIII. It states 'If any Person do, or procure any Thing to be done, to the annoying of the Stream of the River of Thames ... by mining, digging casting of Dung Rubbish or other Thing in the same River ... or dig or undermine any Bank or Wall ... to the Hurt, Impairing or Damage of the said Banks or Walls, he shall forfeit for every Time of offending C.s. to the King, and to the Mayor and Commonalty of London ...'.