Docks
The Thames has been a river of trade for thousands of years, but nothing shaped the landscape ot the city more than the docks built during the 19th century. Docks were open harbours, cut into the banks of the Thames, which could be used by every type of vessel. There had been harbours for trade ever since people were setteling there, but they couldn't be compared to the quays the Londoners built.
The Thames has been tremendously important for the British economy, which was already recognized in Elizabethan Times: an ordinance forbade to bulid priavte houses along the riverside in order to save it for commerce.
The first mentioned dock upon the Thames was near Blackwall and already existed in 1661.
The painter William Daniell chose the docks as a motive for his paintings many times, since many Londoners considered the docks as a blessing for their city.
The docks became more and more and with their size their importance grew as well. Therefore it is hardly surprising that they became the target during the "Blitz" in WWII. After being almost totally destroyed, they were rebuilt, only to be closed around 30 years later, due to changes in the way of trading.
Today there are only some left and they are only used for recreational purposes, but we shouldn't forget about their immense importance for the city!
The Thames has been tremendously important for the British economy, which was already recognized in Elizabethan Times: an ordinance forbade to bulid priavte houses along the riverside in order to save it for commerce.
The first mentioned dock upon the Thames was near Blackwall and already existed in 1661.
The painter William Daniell chose the docks as a motive for his paintings many times, since many Londoners considered the docks as a blessing for their city.
The docks became more and more and with their size their importance grew as well. Therefore it is hardly surprising that they became the target during the "Blitz" in WWII. After being almost totally destroyed, they were rebuilt, only to be closed around 30 years later, due to changes in the way of trading.
Today there are only some left and they are only used for recreational purposes, but we shouldn't forget about their immense importance for the city!