London Photo Gallery - Butler's Wharf

The wharves flourished downstream from London Bridge in the 18th century as trade grew. This area was dominated by Butler's Wharf Ltd, which had a long stretch of riverside, with massive warehouses built from the 1870s. They typically reached up to 6 storeys and linked by iron gangways. By the 1970s, the docks were no longer needed and the buildings fell into disrepair. Turning them into residential use helped save many, which helped preserve the area's character. This area is one of the best remaining examples of 19th century riverside warehouse architecture in the city. Courage Yard is located at the start of Shad Thames with a central courtyard surrounded by residences and shops. The iron gangways still run above Shad Thames' former warehouses, where workers once traversed with goods from the wharves. A nice promenade runs along the Thames riverfront, where converted warehouses now offer residents beautiful views of Tower Bridge and the City's skyline. A metallic footbridge crosses St. Saviour's Dock, 400m downstream from Tower Bridge. Early maps show it was a natural inlet and the Thames riverfront was already developed by the 17th century. Leather and associated industries thrived here, while spices from foreign lands were stored. As the area became fashionable to live in thanks to its views and proximity to the City, some of the warehouses underwent conversion and have been preserved. Further east along Bermondsey Wall West, the open space across the street from Providence Square is a good place to peek out at the Thames and take a short break. The buildings here are mostly redeveloped new-builds. New Concordia Wharf occupies the eastern end of St. Saviour's Dock along Mill Street. Originally a flour mill in the early 1880s, it was rebuilt after a fire in the 1980s. Regenerated in 1984, it was one of the area's first warehouse conversions. There are many more converted warehouses along the street and back on Shad Thames that runs along the other side of the inlet. Heading back to Tower Bridge along Queen Elizabeth Street, The Circle and its cobalt blue tiles can be easily spotted around a small traffic circle, or circus, with a dray-horse statue in the middle.