The Tour
The West India Docks and East India Docks sound like a matching pair, but they couldn’t be more different. This is a story of maritime trade, going to Blackwall and Beyond as England extended its trading reach throughout the world.
Warehouses One and Two, West India Docks
When the West India Docks opened in 1802, London entered a new phase of maritime trade.
They were the largest public development the world had seen.
And into the docks flowed sugar, rum and molasses – the products of slave labour.
Before the East India Docks opened in 1806, Blackwall was a maritime hamlet which had served shipping for centuries. Ships had set out to find the Northwest Passage – and to found England’s first overseas colony: Jamestown, Virginia.
Virginina Settlers’ Memorial
This tour sees traces of the Honourable East India Company, both as an importer of luxuries and as a provider for its former employees.
We explore the dominance over its neighbours conferred on Poplar by its increased maritime status.
Most of all, the tour celebrates the new dimension brought to London by the establishment of its docks.
For a taster follow the link HERE to read an item I wrote about the East India Company in Poplar.
If you like this …
The Changeling Canary Wharf explores the development of the West India Docks – details HERE
You can find more East End Charnowalks HERE
You can find more business-related Charnowalks HERE
Details – To Blackwall and Beyond
Please go to the SCHEDULE to see whether this tour is currently on offer, and for booking details
REMEMBER that these details are NOT for the virtual version of this tour!
MEET: In front of the Museum of London Docklands, Hertsmere Road E14 4AL (The nearest stations are Westferry and West India Quay DLR Stations)
Duration: Two hours (approximately)
Finish: East India DLR Station
If you have any questions about this walk, please contact me
Pictures © David Charnick 2021
