When did London docks close?

7th of December 1981
Despite the difficulties, they survived longer than any other upstream docks, before finally closing to commercial traffic in 1981 – The last vessel to be loaded left on 7th of December 1981. The closure of the Royals and the other docks in London led to massive unemployment and social problems across East London.

What were London docks used for?

The Docklands area was for centuries the principal hub of British seaborne trade. In the latter part of the 20th century, many of the Docklands’ manufacturing plants and wharves were abandoned or given over to new residential and commercial developments. East End of London along the River Thames (c.

Why did London need new docks?

But those were to shelter and repair ships. The new docks created in the early 19th century were to load and unload cargoes and to protect the goods within their high walls. They were the start of a vast network of docks that would transform the area to the east of the City and turn London into a major trading city.

Why did docks decline?

After the war the docks went into decline. The industry left the area due to competition from abroad. After the introduction of the UDC the Docklands was redeveloped. The evidence of the original Docks is seen here with a gateway being built to show the original purpose of the area.

Why is Canary Wharf?

Canary Wharf itself takes its name from No. 32 berth of the West Wood Quay of the Import Dock. The Canary islands were so named after the large dogs found there by the Spanish (Canarias from Canine) and as it is located on the Isle of Dogs, the quay and warehouse were given the name Canary Wharf.

Why did Stratford go into decline?

There was a lack of infrastructure and the environmental quality was poor. The 2012 London Olympics bid was partly successful on the understanding that Stratford would be used during the games and regenerated for local people to use after the competitors had left.

Why was Canary Wharf regenerated?

Historic wharves and dock infrastructure have been given a new lease of life. The area has encouraged and facilitated economic expansion. What to do with a large area of London full of redundant docks. To build brand new offices, shops and flats and create an adjunct to the City.

When was the London Docks still in operation?

The area was dominated by the London Docks which were still in operation when my father took the above photo in 1951.

What was the history of the Docklands in London?

The Docklands in history. Much of London’s success in history has revolved around the Thames and the city’s access to water. It wasn’t until the 17th century, however, that Londoners started to seriously use the water access of the East End. In the 1690s, a dock was built at Rotherhithe.

When did the East India Docks open in London?

In 1805 the London Docks opened in Wapping (in Tower Hamlets), and the East India Docks were inaugurated in 1806. The next year at Rotherhithe the existing Greenland Dock (where whale blubber was rendered) became the nucleus of the Surrey Commercial Docks (used for timber); that tract covered 410 acres (166 hectares), an area larger than Hyde Park.

How are people getting to the Royal Docks?

Today, thousands of people arrive into London’s Royal Docks by air, tube, DLR, boat, road and even cable car. Residential, commercial and retail developments are springing up right the way along the 4 kilometres of London’s Royal Docks, from Gallion’s Reach to the planned floating village.