London Docklands Collection

Sugar bags hanging out to dry, North Quay, West India Docks, 1900

Wharves at Limehouse, London, c1850. Artist: Frederick J Goff
Wharves at Limehouse, London, c1850. View with barges in the foreground

The new East and West India Docks at Tilbury, opened last week, 1886. Creator: Unknown
The new East and West India Docks at Tilbury, opened last week, 1886. From "The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper Volume 33. January to June, 1886"

Port of London Authority - Map, 1937. Creator: Unknown
Port of London Authority - Map, 1937. The River Thames in London, showing Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, St Katharine Docks, Western and Eastern Docks, West India Docks, Blackwall Basin

View of Canary Wharf tall buildings at Christmas, Docklands, London, England, United Kingdom, Europe

View of Canary Wharf tall buildings at sunset, Docklands, London, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Canary Wharf, Docklands, and Thames Barrier at dusk, London, England, United Kingdom, Europe

London Docklands (engraving)
608390 London Docklands (engraving) by Dore, Gustave (1832-83); Private Collection; (add.info.: London Docklands; from London: A Pilgrimage); Look and Learn / Peter Jackson Collection

A Row, Yarmouth, 1898. Creator: Unknown
A " Row", Yarmouth, 1898. Row Houses on South Quay, Great Yarmouth originally built as single family dwellings, later sub-divided into tenements

Ebano bitumen stored at Elizabeth Wharf, Limehouse, London, c1900
Barrels of Ebano bitumen stored at Elizabeth Wharf, Limehouse, London, c1900. The Ebano Oil Company imported bitumen from Mexico

Shipyard of James Ash & Co, Cubitt Town, London, c1863. James Ash & Co were builders of iron ships. The company was founded in 1862 but the yard never became profitable

Cargo being loaded or unloaded from a ship, Royal Victoria Dock, Canning Town, London, c1930. The dock was built between 1850 and 1855 on an area of Plaistow Marshes

Opening of St Katharines Dock, London, October 25 1828. A scene with crowds of people on the shore and in ships, barges and smaller boats

St Katherines Docks, London, late 19th century. Aerial view showing the docks, ships on the Thames, and the Tower of London in the background

Canary Wharf from London Docklands, London, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Construction site along the Thames in London
Construction site along the River Thames in London Docklands

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London Docklands has a rich history that stretches back centuries, with each image capturing a different aspect of its vibrant past. From the sight of sugar bags hanging out to dry in North Quay, West India Docks in 1900, to the bustling wharves at Limehouse depicted by Frederick J Goff in 1850, these snapshots transport us to a bygone era. Fast forward to modern times and we witness the mesmerizing view of Canary Wharf's tall buildings adorned with Christmas lights, illuminating the skyline of Docklands. As sunset paints the sky with hues of orange and pink, this iconic area continues to captivate both locals and tourists alike. The juxtaposition between Canary Wharf's towering structures and the Thames Barrier at dusk showcases London's ability to seamlessly blend tradition with progress. This harmonious coexistence is further exemplified through an engraving depicting London Docklands as it once was—a testament to its enduring legacy. Delving deeper into history, we catch a glimpse of Yarmouth in 1898—an unknown artist beautifully captures rowboats gently swaying on calm waters. Meanwhile, Ebano bitumen stored at Elizabeth Wharf provides insight into the diverse range of goods that passed through Limehouse during this time period. The shipyard owned by James Ash & Co stands as a testament to London Dockland's industrial prowess in 1863. Here ships were crafted meticulously—a symbol of craftsmanship and innovation that defined this thriving hub. A snapshot from Canning Town circa 1930 reveals cargo being loaded or unloaded from a ship at Royal Victoria Dock—an activity that epitomized the hustle and bustle synonymous with London's maritime trade. Finally, we are transported back even further—to October 25th, 1828—when St Katharine Docks opened their gates for business. This momentous occasion marked another chapter in London Dockland's storied past—a chapter filled with commerce, trade, and the promise of a brighter future.