London Photo Gallery - Wapping Part 2

The Thames riverfront east of the city was previously the London Docks that opened in the early 19th century with busy wharves and warehouse buildings. Luxury goods such as wine, tobacco, coffee, and tea from the empire's further reaches were unloaded and stored here, and a sailor and ship-building community grew around them, even hosting pirate executions. As containerization became the new method of shipping, the shipping industry moved further downstream by the 1960s. To the north of the Thames riverfront are several former docks that are now quiet residential areas. This walk begins at Shadwell Basin heading west towards Tobacco Dock, which opened in 1811 and once connected the London Docks' West and East Dock. Continuing west, homes front both sides of the canal towards Spirit Dock, which is just a stone's throw from St. Katharine Docks. For older photos, check out my walk from Canary Wharf to St. Katharine Docks along the Thames Path.