Visit London Docklands are a historic site that has now become a business district.
In this article, I'll go over what you need to know about the place.
London Docklands: article summary
London Docklands: at a glance
At its peak, London's Docklands employed over 100,000 people, unloading goods from all over the world.
After the area's commercial decline, Docklands was regenerated as a modern business and leisure district, transforming it almost beyond recognition and breathing new life into it.
However, the nautical tradition is still very much alive, filled with a range of moored boats and from yachts and cruise ships to historic Thames barges.
The Docklands Waterfront Museum is located at West India Quay. It traces the development of the docks and the history of the Port of London.
Take a trip to the Docklands
London's Docklands first appeared in 1802. Here, for almost 200 years, ships unloaded rum, sugar and coffee from the Caribbean.
The goods were loaded into warehouses, transferred to and delivered throughout the country..
Ideal for lunching al fresco, I recommend spending some time in this place full of history. It's a great way to discover London off the beaten track.
London Docklands: a little history
As London became a hub of world trade at the end of the 18th century, the need for formal, large-scale port facilities grew.
In 1799, Parliament passed a law authorizing work to begin. The West India docks were built in the early 19th century.
The success of this venture led to a boom in dock construction and before the end of the century, other locations appeared such as :
- Millwall docks
- St Katherine's
- Surrey Commercial
- Royals
- Tilbury Docks
A remarkable entry into the 20th century
In 1908, the Port Of London Authority was created to ensure the financial and operational future of the tidal canal and its quays.
Trade continued to boom. Despite the damage caused by the Second World War, the quays continued to flourish, handling a record 61 million tonnes in 1964.
But with the advent of containerization, road loading led to a decline in transport to central London, and the docks gradually slowed their pace.
West India and Millwall Docks finally ceased their general cargo operations in 1980, followed by the Royal Docks in 1984.
A second wind for the Docklands
However, a maritime area of this size, so close to the City of Londonwould never remain unexploited for long.
In 1981, the London Docklands Development Corporation took over. The redevelopment of the Docklands business, accommodation and entertainment.
West India Dock: a yachting harbour
West India Lock is now a marina. If you'd like to take a cruise on the River Thames, you can do so at London Bridge between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Discover the city from another angle.
London's Docklands is the perfect place to visit off the beaten track. Here you can discover the city's history by exploring London's quays.
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