A new book describing the varied history of fish in the River Thames has just been published.

The book, which was published on August 1, explores the development of fisheries for both food and sport.

Illustrated with old engravings, maps and photographs, the 258-page book contains anecdotes and stories that will appeal to anglers, natural historians and fishery professionals.

The author, Dr David Solomon, is a lifelong angler and a fishery scientist, and he draws on his long experience for material in his book.

His stories include the long history of attempts to re-introduce salmon to the river, roach fishing in London Bridge and a man with a lifetime catch of more than 800.

One anecdote includes the numbers and price of each species of local freshwater fish used to feed Thomas Cranmer, former Archbishop of Canterbury, in the days leading up to his execution in Oxford in 1556 (pike were the most expensive).

His book is published by fluvial books, which specialise in the subject of fisheries and rivers.

You can find out more on www.fluvialbooks.co.uk