The Secrets of London's Docklands

Service Description

London’s Wapping neighbourhood is located right near Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Despite its sleepy village feel, Wapping is actually one of the oldest parts of London. When Romans arrived here 2000 years ago, they found only marshland. During the Middle Ages, the edge of the River Thames was dotted with the water mills that used the tidal power of the river to grind corn. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was the location for the world's richest docks. The most precious arrived here from all over the world: tobacco, wine, spices, coffee and ivory. In those days, the area was a maze of narrow streets, warehouses and loading docks. There were at least 36 Inns and drinking dens and even a gallows for hanging the pirates. During WW2, these docklands were the prime target for German bombers.  What you will find out: -The history of the Prospect of Whitby, a 500 year old pub. Sailors, pirates, smugglers and artists drank here alongside noblemen for centuries. In the middle of the 20th century, this was a popular spot with Hollywood royalty and members of London’s criminal gangs. If only walls could talk! Luckily, I have plenty of stories to share with you. -Who was hanged at the gallows?  -The history of Wapping Hydraulic station -Where do place names such as the Isle of Dogs and the Russian dock come from? -Tobacco dock and its contents. In 1849, there were 8 millions of gallons of wine stored here, among other high priced items, I will tell you which ones and why. -A pub which was supposedly owned by J.W. Turner, one of the greatest British artists. -Shadwell Basin is one of the few surviving London’s docks, most of the docks were filled in and built up. -St Paul’s Maritime church and who prayed there. I have lived in this part of London for more than 10 years now and will be happy to show you around and answer all of your questions. Each walk is unique and easily tailored, it will all depend on the time of the day, the current season and the tidal schedule. If we are lucky with the weather, I will also show you something special, something normally hidden, a unique way to see London from an angle you have never seen before. Prepare to immerse yourself in the fascinating stories from both past and present of this unique pocket of London.

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