A Frost Fair on the Thames at Temple Stairs by Abraham Hondius, 1684. The Thames has been known to freeze over on several occasions, but the great freeze of 1683-4 was the longest in London's history. The diarist John Evelyn recorded that 'Streetes of Boothes were set upon the Thames... all sorts of Trades and shops furnished, & full of Commodities..." Scientists have suggested it may be possible to freeze the Thames for another frost fair during the Millennium celebrations!