London's Docklands: A History of the Lost Quarter

by Fiona Rule

In its heyday, London’s Docklands was dominated by the Port of London; a sprawling network of quays, ancient wharves, deep canals and high-walled basins that stretched along the Thames from the City to Tilbury. Two or three generations ago, London Docks provided employment for over 100,000 men, but the demise of London's Docklands in the late 20th century ended a tradition of waterside industry that had existed in London since Roman times. Yet the Docks themselves still stand defiantly; too expensive (and expansive) to be attractive to property developers despite the fact that most are sited in prime real estate areas. For the foreseeable future, the Docks will remain part of London, a visual reminder that, for a time, Britannia did indeed rule the waves. From archaeological finds through to diaries, newspaper articles, census returns and personal interviews, the lost docks of London are rediscovered through fascinating tales of Medieval mercers, river pirates, shipbuilders, merchant adventurers, mud larks, Dockers, socialist agitators, brothel keepers and opium eaters, to name but a few. At this uncertain and precarious point in their history, it is important that their story is told before all remnants of their illustrious past are erased forever.

Genres: London, History, Nonfiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published September 3, 2009

Reviews

[Asha Stark]

I realised around the 47% mark that I actually don't really care that much about the history of London's docks, but to give up would have felt like failure. I did learn quite a bit however, and surely that cancels out the boredom?

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book on the area around the London docks. From its Roman-beginnings through to the 21st Century.

It's an interesting look at the people that lived and worked in the area.

I found it invaluable as a research book for my third novel, but it is also an extremely interesting read in its own right.

[Gwendoline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and utterly fascinating. I have always had a soft spot for the Docklands since the 80s growing up. I recently stayed near the Tate & Lyle factory and I decided I needed to learn more about the area, having a fascination for old London landscapes.
This is a thoroughly researched and easily read book with insightful anecdotes of the history from Anglo Saxon times of the ports and docks that arose along the banks of the Thames, from the first quays near the City of London expanding gradually East through the centuries culminating in gradual decline and demise in the 1970s and its subsequent redevelopment.
Anyone who loves London around the Thames, this book is invaluable. It relates past structures long since gone to current locations so the reader gets a sense of place.

[Latarshia Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Baker of Baker Street was a black man. Apologies for the spoiler.

I simply enjoy the fact that this book brings attention to local history.

It would be nice if there was some sort of sequel that highlights India's involvement in the slave trade. The reason why is that there are names of Dockland's Light Railway stations that are unaccounted for.

[Tom Ward]

A thorough overview of the history of British shipping industry from Roman times in London. really interesting and an insight into part of our history that i barely knew about. Over detailed in parts but worth the read.

[Newfad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and well researched.

[Ruth Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another triumph from Fiona Rule giving us the history of London Docklands and associated industries as well as important events shaping the shipping world.

[Tom Nicholls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well researched book about a fascinating, historic area of London.

[Lin Barrett West · Rating 4 out of 5]

This really was a labour of love from the author. Painstaking detail, well-researched. I think a reader would, like me, have to have had a prior interest in the area, before attempting this book. But once you have dived into the Thames, so to speak, you get carried along with the tide. One minor quibble- with such quantities of detail, research notes and links to references would have been good, although there is a full bibliography. I learned a lot, which is good to say of a book.

[Esther A. Vandergugten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this well researched bit of history.

[Donald Pryde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about the London Docks and the life of people who lived and worked there

[Valentin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Spoiler: no Thomas Shelby Cameo.