All images © James Sapsard.
Images may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of the copyright holder.

The Thames At Brentford
Brentford is the first place at which the tidal portion of the River Thames was fordable on foot.
https://witness.theguardian.com/assignment/56261b84e4b00378ab588bbf/1779835

The Thames At Brentford
It’s believed by some historians that Julius Cæsar crossed the Thames here at Brentford during his invasion of Britain in 54 BC.
https://witness.theguardian.com/assignment/56261b84e4b00378ab588bbf/1779832

The Thames At Brentford

The Thames At Brentford
Although there is no archaeological proof that Julius Cæsar crossed the River Thames at Brentford, he wrote that the river bank where he crossed was protected by sharp stakes. A great number of oak stakes were discovered during the building of Brentford Dock between 1855 and 1859.
https://witness.theguardian.com/assignment/56261b84e4b00378ab588bbf/1779839

“Ballad Of Easy Rider”

The river flows
It flows to the sea
Wherever that river goes
That’s where I want to be
Flow river flow
Let your waters wash down
Take me from this road
To some other town

All he wanted
Was to be free
And that’s the way
It turned out to be
Flow river flow
Let your waters wash down
Take me from this road
To some other town

© Roger McGuinn 1969

“Easy Rider” was released in UK cinemas on July 14, 1969, twelve days before I returned from hitchhiking round France, Italy and Switzerland, 2023 years after Julius Cæsar was ‘hitchhiking’ round London in 54 BC. We never know in whose footsteps we follow.