To the wharves below the bridge ships brought the rich merchandise of Italy and the Low Countries; while from above, the grain, needed for the wants of the great city was floated down in barges from the west.
Passing the Temple, the boys rowed along by the green banks and fields as far as Westminster, which at that time was almost a rival of the city, for here were the abbey and great monastery; here were the king's palace and court, and the houses of many of his nobles.

Then they went along by the low shores of Millbank, keeping a sharp lookout for boats going down with the stream.

It was already getting dark, for Walter had not allowed for the strength of the stream, and he was full of anxiety lest he should arrive too late..