The big freeze hits Scotland and it looks like it’s here for some time yet according to the Met Office.

The last official White Christmas was five years ago, when snow fell across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Midlands, the North-East and far South-West.

The Frozen River Thames in 1677

The interest in snowy Christmases has its origins in the colder climate of the period 1550-1850 when Britain was in the grip of a ‘Little Ice Age’  – now that really was a climate change!

Winters were particularly persistent and severe in the winter between 1813 and 1814 which was the last winter that a ‘frost fair’ was held on the River Thames in London – imagine walking across the River Thames – fascinating!

Back then, however, the colder climate was not the only factor that allowed the river to freeze over in London: the Thames was broader and shallower and there were no embankments which meant that it flowed more slowly.

Last night bookies were offering 7/4 against snow falling in London, Glasgow, Birmingham, Cardiff, Dublin, Leeds, Liverpool or Manchester on Christmas Day so hopefully someone will win some decent cash for the festive season!

Keep your fingers crossed for a White Christmas and don’t forget to send in your photographs.

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