River Effra

by Jon Newman

The story of one of London's 'lost' rivers which vanished underground 150 years ago, including its geology as well as its social, environmental and engineering history. Also includes a walker's guide.

Genres: London

146 pages, Paperback

Published November 3, 2016

Reviews

[Patrick]

This fascinating little book explores the history of one of London’s ‘lost’ rivers with both wit and erudition. Although there is much detail about the little river itself, it also acts as a cultural history of south London, often wittily dissecting suburban attitudes towards the Effra, the proximity of which was a cachet to some and an olfactory offense to others. The book is richly adorned with illustrations, including drawings and photographs and concludes with a walker’s guide to both branches of the river and to its original pre-medieval course.

[Tom Dunmore]

Great local history about the hidden river that help South London grow