London's Docklands: A History of the Lost Quarter
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.
1110906136
London's Docklands: A History of the Lost Quarter
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.
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London's Docklands: A History of the Lost Quarter

London's Docklands: A History of the Lost Quarter

by Fiona Rule
London's Docklands: A History of the Lost Quarter

London's Docklands: A History of the Lost Quarter

by Fiona Rule

Paperback

$26.95 
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Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780750989985
Publisher: The History Press
Publication date: 01/28/2019
Pages: 384
Product dimensions: 5.08(w) x 7.80(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

FIONA RULE is a historian who specialises in London. She has a diploma in local history from the University of Oxford and has written frequently for The History Press. Her books include London’s Labyrinth (2019), The Worst Street in London (2018) and The Oldest House in London (2017).

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 6

Introduction 7

1 Ad Initium 11

2 A New Era 46

3 The Rebirth of London 64

4 Merchants and Monopolies 73

5 Plague and Politics 98

6 Voyages of Discovery 108

7 Black Gold 145

8 Fire 159

9 Mr Lloyd's Coffee House 179

10 Fur, Whales and New Developments 186

11 The Pros and Cons of Prosperity 195

12 The Canal Boom 210

13 The Great Nineteenth Century Docks 220

14 The Age of Steam 234

15 The Rise of the Wharves 254

16 Life in the Victorian Docks 264

17 Boiling Point 286

18 The Beginning of the End 304

19 Crash, Depression and Conflict 320

20 The Demise of the Docks 340

Select Bibliography 374

Index 377

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