Woolwich Reach
View Larger Map
Bugsby's Reach
Between the Barrier and the Dome
THAMES STRATEGY EAST Part 4 - Reach 1-3 - This covers the following Reaches:
Upper Pool; Lower Pool; Limehouse; Greenwich; Blackwell; Bugsby's; and Woolwich. A large (7.79Mb) pdf file.
Thames Strategy East
has the overall details.
REACH 3: BUGSBY'S AND WOOLWICH REACH
NORTHERN BANK: LEE VALLEY, SILVERTOWN, NORTH WOOLWICH, ROYAL DOCKS
SOUTHERN BANK: GREENWICH PENINSULA, NEW CHARLTON, WOOLWICH
CHARACTERISATION
This Reach stretches from Blackwall Pier to Gallions Point on the northern bank
of the river and from Blackwall Point to the eastern extent of the Royal Arsenal
development on the southern bank. ...
The river turns very sharply south east around
Blackwall Point forming Greenwich Peninsula, and then turns due east around
Manhattan Wharf. Between Manhattan Wharf and Gallions Point the river runs
eastwards, in a more or less straight course; at Gallions Point the river curves
to the north east. The river widens from approximately 350m wide at Blackwall
Point to 500m at the Thames Flood Barrier. The character within this Reach is
mainly industrial, with a number of working wharves and commercial estates,
and pockets of high density riverside residential development such as at the
Greenwich Millennium Village, either side of Thames Barrier Park, and the Royal
Arsenal. The Thames Flood Barrier is an iconic structure and a significant
landmark.
Along Reach 3, beyond the sharp bend of the Greenwich Peninsula, the
character of the river changes substantially. Whereas Reaches 1 and 2 are
characterised by high density residential riverside development, forming
almost continuous walls along the edge of the River, this Reach is
predominantly characterised by large scale industrial structures and aggregate
wharves. However, the character of this Reach is changing rapidly with the
construction of employment-led development west of the Thames Barrier, and
new riverside residential blocks east of the Barrier.
The area on the northern bank includes the southern extent of the Lower Lee
Valley, Silvertown, North Woolwich and the Royal Docks. The Lower Lee Valley
is a complex area comprising a range of industrial, utility and commercial uses
as well as small pockets of recent residential development. The lower part of
Bow Creek/River Lee is largely inaccessible and mostly hidden from view. The
Royal Docks comprise three very large dock basins, ranging from 1.8 to
3 kilometres in length, which are impressive in their sheer scale. These docks
are Royal Albert Dock, King George V Dock and Royal Victoria Dock. A few
former dock buildings remain, standing isolated amongst the scrubland of the
brownfield sites. The area surrounding the Docks is currently being
redeveloped. The Docks form a physical barrier to accessing the Thames from
the north, although the Stephen Redgrave Bridge, the Connaught Bridge and
the Victoria Dock Footbridge have improved access. London City Airport is
located on the strip of land between Royal Albert Dock and King George V
Dock. The international exhibition centre, ExCeL, is located on the northern
side of Royal Victoria Dock, and the University of East London is located on
the northern side of the Royal Albert Dock. The northern bank of the river by
Silvertown and North Woolwich is dominated by large scale heavy industry, in
particular the Tate and Lyle glucose refinery.
The area on the southern bank includes the eastern part of the Greenwich
Peninsula, New Charlton and Woolwich. The first phase of the Greenwich
Millennium Village, a high profile exemplar residential development, has been
completed and is located on the eastern side of the Greenwich Peninsula. The
treatment of the riverbank implemented as part of the Greenwich Peninsula
development is exemplary. It provided an innovative setback flood defence
wall incorporating two kilometres of intertidal habitat, educational signage,
and a wide riverside promenade and cycle path. The river frontage of New
Charlton is industrial, while further inland the area is characterised by large
superstores with extensive car parking, business parks, and trade and industrial
estates. Woolwich town centre, marked by high-rise white apartment blocks, is
close to the river and the Woolwich Ferry Terminal. The town centre is bustling
with a pedestrianised high street, market place, central town garden, and some
notable buildings including the Town Hall. The Royal Arsenal site, east of
Woolwich town centre, is currently being redeveloped as a mixed-use
development, and includes the Fire Power Museum and the Greenwich Heritage
Centre.
Within this Reach the riverbanks are generally hard, vertical and constructed
of sheet piling. The banks of the river are inhospitable, especially in the areas
of industrial activity. Exceptions are along the Thames Path promenade on the
eastern side of the Greenwich Peninsula where terracing, sloped banks and reed
bed planting has been implemented as part of the Peninsula development.
River based infrastructure is extensive in this Reach. The Thames Barrier is
located between Silvertown and New Charlton. There are six Safeguarded
Wharves along the northern bank of the river, including two along Bow
Creek/River Lee, and two on the southern bank. There are five commercial
terminals on the northern bank (Thames Wharf, Peruvian Wharf, Manhattan
Wharf, Sunshine Wharf, Thames Refinery); and seven along the southern bank,
including Angerstein Wharf, Murphy’s Wharf, Riverside Wharf and Convoy’s
Wharf. There are two public piers on the southern bank; Barrier Gardens Pier
by the Thames Barrier Visitor Centre, and Woolwich Arsenal Pier. The Woolwich
Ferry operates between North Woolwich and Woolwich jetties. There are three
launching sites in this Reach: Bargehouse Causeway on the northern bank; and
Bugsby’s Hole Causeway and Bell Water Gate on the southern bank. On the
northern bank there are five water sports centres associated with the Royal
Docks including: Peter Chilvers Windsurfing Centre, Royal Victoria Dock
Watersport Centre, Royal Albert Dock Rowing Centre, and the London Wetbike
Club. There is also a water sports centre on Bow Creek. The only yacht club in
the Reach is on the southern bank: is Greenwich Yacht Club. There are ten sets
of steps down to the river foreshore: three on the northern bank, and seven
southern bank.
The only existing river crossings in this Reach are: the Woolwich Foot Tunnel
providing access for pedestrians; and the Woolwich Ferry providing free
crossing for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
Public access is limited to the riverfront on the northern bank, where the
predominant land use is industrial. Access to the river is provided at the
Thames Barrier Park, Royal Victoria Gardens and the Galleons Lock
development. Much of the southern riverbank is now accessible. A high quality
riverside promenade has been constructed along the entire eastern length of
the Greenwich Peninsula and there is access to the New Charlton riverfront,
past active aggregate wharves, up to the Thames Barrier Centre. The path
proceeds past residential development and east of the Woolwich Ferry Terminal
passes through the new Royal Arsenal Gardens. The newly constructed riverside
promenade in front of the Royal Arsenal redevelopment provides good, high
quality access to and along the river.
The main sites of biodiversity importance are Bow Creek/River Lee, designated
as a Site of Metropolitan Importance and the Royal Docks, designated as a Site
of Borough Importance (Grade 1). Here the river is industrial in character with
habitats including hard flood defence walls, docks and artificial structures. The
Royal Docks provide extensive open water and brackish habitats that are
important for wildfowl, especially for over-wintering. The black redstart is
concentrated on the industrial and brownfield sites here and small populations
of sand martins have been found by the Royal Dock and Lower Lee. ...
There are a number of sites of built heritage importance in this Reach. These
include the Royal Docks, Spiller Millennium Flour Mills and Silo D, Silvertown
Church and St Mary’s at Woolwich, the Tate and Lyle Glucose Refinery, the
Thames Barrier, Angerstein Wharf at Charlton, the Royal Arsenal, the Mast Pond
Wharf, and surviving buildings from the Woolwich Dockyard. The Royal Arsenal
is the only Conservation Area in the Reach. ...
Archaeological discoveries in the area include prehistoric finds by the mouth
of Bow Creek; fossilised trees and a large elephant tooth by the East India Dock
Basin; Roman finds by the Royal Albert Dock; and remains of a possible Iron
Age settlement on the site of the Woolwich Power Station. Woolwich was
notable for its fishing industry in the medieval period. The post-medieval
development of Woolwich was dominated by the Royal Arsenal, at one time the
largest industrial complex in the world. ...
• The character of the riverfront in this Reach is gradually changing from
predominantly industrial and commercial to a mixed use character.
• The wooded ridge that forms a green backdrop to Woolwich and New
Charlton is a characteristic feature of the southern bank.
• The Royal Docks are characterised by open views across the large dock
basins with adjacent large scale buildings including the Millennium Mill.
• The main landmarks in this Reach are the Thames Flood Barrier, the Tate
and Lyle Glucose Refinery, Spillers Millennium Mill, the ExCel Exhibition
Centre, the Royal Victoria Dock Footbridge, the Woolwich Ferry Terminals,
and Royal Arsenal.
1887: Dickens’s Dictionary of the Thames, An Unconventional Handbook -
North Woolwich Gardens. On the left bank of the river, adjacent to the North Woolwich Station of the Great Eastern Railway, about half an hour from Fenchurch-street. Almost the only survivors of the open-air places of amusement which were once so numerous, are now Rosherville and North Woolwich. The latter, though by no means so picturesque as the lofty and tree-crowned crags of Rosherville, are prettily laid out, and in the summer-time are a pleasant enough place of resort.
1887: Dickens’s Dictionary of the Thames, An Unconventional Handbook -
The Woolwich and Plumstead Marshes afford many plants of interest; in the first rank of which must be placed the great marsh sowthistle (Sonchus palustris), one of the largest, as well as one of the rarest of British plants.
Map: The Dome
See Doug Myers picture of the Thames Barrier above, with the Dome in the background.
Plate from
Monk's Calendar for 1999.
The Millennium Dome [as seen from Royal Victoria Dock]
Drawn and etched by Anthony Dyson, Hon.R.E.
Published by the Black Star Press, Teddington, Middlesex.
The London Calendar. Originated by W. Monk, 1903.
1999: The circus like tent / building was erected to celebrate the millenium.
2007: the Dome is expected to open its doors to the public and provide London with a new world-class entertainment and sports destination. Anschutz Entertainment Group will create a 20,000-seat entertainment and sports arena within the Dome, known as the “Dome Arena”. The acoustically-sealed arena will have a maximum capacity of 22,000 and will also operate as a fully-flexible exhibition space capable of hosting events for a minimum of 7,500 people, up to large-scale conventions. The Dome Arena will host at least 150 different events a year. Part of the Dome looks directly onto the Thames and this section, from the arena inside the Dome to the river’s edge, will be known as “Dome Waterfront”. It will be fully accessible to the public and will be home to a number of additional sporting and leisure facilities, including cafés and bars. Visitors to the Dome Arena will also be able to dine in the restaurants or browse the shops located in Dome Central.
The Dome is now called "O2"
BBC O2 NEWS
Blackwall Lighthouse, left bank
Lighthouse E-clips copyright Mike Millichamp -
A tall brick hexagonal tower lighthouse with a traditional light and workshops (former buoy store) attached, situated on Trinity Buoy Wharf, River Thames opposite the London Millennium Dome. Built in 1863 by Trinity House this light was used for training purposes and was part of the training school and workshop facilities operated on this wharf. The site became redundant in 1988.
Jubilee Line Tunnel
1999: North Greenwich to Canning Town.
Blackwall Reach
Between the Dome and Greenwich
THAMES STRATEGY EAST Part 4 - Reach 1-3 - This covers the following Reaches:
Upper Pool; Lower Pool; Limehouse; Greenwich; Blackwall; Bugsby's; and Woolwich. A large (7.79Mb) pdf file.
Thames Strategy East
has the overall details.
REACH 2: LIMEHOUSE, GREENWICH AND BLACKWELL REACH
NORTHERN BANK: ISLE OF DOGS AND POPLAR
SOUTHERN BANK: DEPTFORD AND GREENWICH
This Reach stretches from Westferry Circus to Blackwall Pier on the northern
bank and from Cuckold’s Point to Blackwall Point on the southern bank
including all of the Greenwich Peninsula. ...
The defining feature of this Reach is the
distinctive horseshoe bend of the river around the Isle of Dogs. The river has
a more or less even width of 300-350m throughout this Reach. Like Reach 1,
this part of the Thames, is mostly characterised as an enclosed river corridor
with densely built up frontages. Although residential development along the
riverfront predominates in most parts of the Reach, there are still areas of
commercial and industrial use including active wharves.
Between Greenwich and Blackwall Point, the character of the river changes and
is influenced by industrial uses on the Greenwich Peninsula. Large industrial
structures, buildings set back from the riverfront, and large working aggregate
wharves contrast with the now predominantly residential, urbanised riverside
of the Isle of Dogs. The Millennium Dome at the tip of the Greenwich Peninsula
marks the end of the Reach and provides a new impressive landmark beside the
river.
The area to the north of the river includes Poplar, the Isle of Dogs, South
Bromley and Blackwall. The key characteristics of the Isle of Dogs are the
recent residential and commercial developments and high rise glazed office
blocks of Canary Wharf that dominate the skyline. The cluster of high rise
towers forms a prominent landmark visible from all angles and from a
considerable distance. The central Canary Wharf development is now a lively
mixed-use area with squares, bars, restaurants and shops. The interconnected
dock basins are a key feature of the peninsula which provide open space and
a setting for the commercial developments. In the inner areas of the Isle of
Dogs there are a number of low-rise housing estates, warehouses and business
parks which present opportunities for regeneration. The main open spaces on
the peninsula are Millwall Park, a rather bland urban park, and Mudchute Farm,
a city farm that is like a ’piece of countryside’ with paddocks, hedgerows and
scrub. From Island Gardens at the tip of the peninsula there are impressive
views of the Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich. Poplar and South Bromley,
severed from the Isle of Dogs by the A13, are deprived areas with numerous
council estates in need of regeneration. In general the Isle of Dogs is
fragmented and lacks a coherent urban structure.
The area south of the river includes the eastern part of the Rotherhithe
Peninsula, Deptford, Greenwich and the western part of the Greenwich
Peninsula. The eastern bank of the Rotherhithe Peninsula is characterised by a
mix of high quality residential waterfront developments and run down council
estates including the large Pepys Estate which is being redeveloped. The two
docks, Greenland and South Dock, are prominent features. Deptford is
undergoing significant change with a number of new high density residential
developments under construction. The area has a mix of uses and characters
including the large warehouse buildings by Convoy’s Wharf, wharves, depots
and old warehouse buildings mixed with more recent residential and office
development along Deptford Creek. The award-winning Laban Dance Centre is
a prominent landmark building along Deptford Creek that is driving
regeneration based on cultural activities.
The Unesco World Heritage Site of Greenwich which includes the Old Royal
Naval College, the National Maritime Museum and Greenwich Park is the key
heritage site in East London. Greenwich has a cohesive historic town centre
that is also an attraction with its markets, narrow streets, small shops and
cafØs. From Greenwich Park there is a spectacular elevated view over the
Thames and to central London. The western side of the Greenwich Peninsula
has a predominantly industrial character with a number of active wharves and
trading estates. The Millennium Dome at the tip of the peninsula is a dominant
and distinctive landmark.
The river banks are mostly hard and vertical in this Reach. There is a small part
of the riverfront by Primrose Wharf where the river bank is sloping. Here the
Thames Path passes behind willow trees growing on the bankside.
Public access to the riverbank along the edge of the Isle of Dogs is generally
poor. From the West India Dock Pier to Island Gardens the Thames Path mainly
follows Westferry Road and not the riverfront. From Island Gardens to Blackwall
the path is disjointed. Most of the Thames Path is complete on the southern
bank, although there is no access to the riverfront by Convoy's Wharf.
On the northern bank there is Orchard Wharf, and on the southern bank there
are Convoy s Wharf, Brewery Wharf and Victoria Deep Water Terminal. A number
of these wharves are Safeguarded Wharves, including Convoy’s Wharf. There is
a deep water terminal located by the mouth of Deptford Creek. There are a
number of piers throughout this Reach: Canary Wharf Pier, Masthouse Terrace
Pier, Great Eastern Pier on the northern bank and Holiday Inn Pier, Greenland
Pier, QE2 Pier, Millennium Dome Pier and Greenwich Pier on the southern bank.
In addition the pier between Alcatel and Tunnel Refineries is publicly
accessible. There are mooring sites in Poplar Dock, Greenland Dock and South
Dock. One launching site is located on the northern bank at Millwall Dock
Slipway and four are located on the southern bank: Point Drawdock, Johnson’s
Drawdock, Newcastle Drawdock and London Yard Causeway. Deverell’s Boatyard,
which is one of a limited number in the Strategy Area, is an existing boatyard
located at Badcock’s Wharf. There are ten sets of steps on the southern bank,
and four on the northern bank giving access to the foreshore. On the northern
bank there are three water sports centres: Dockland Sailing Centre, Cruising
Association, and Poplar Dock Marina. On the southern bank there are also three
water sports centres: Surrey Dock Water Sport Centre, South Dock Marina, and
AHOY Sailing Centre. There are a number of river crossings in this Reach: the
Greenwich Foot Tunnel and the Blackwall vehicular tunnel; the DLR and Jubilee
Line provide rail crossings.
Sites of biodiversity interest within this Reach include Mudchute Farm,
Deptford Creek and Greenwich Park which are designated as Sites of
Metropolitan Importance. The Docks on the Isle of Dogs and Rotherhithe
Peninsula are designated as Sites of Borough Importance (Grade 1) and several
other sites, mostly around the edges of the Isle of Dogs are designated as Sites
of Borough Importance (Grade 2). The tidal areas at the mouth of Deptford
Creek provide refuges for fish, and sheltered roosting and feeding habitat for
wildfowl and waders. Millwall, India and Poplar Docks and the Blackwall Basin
also provide winter roosting for wildfowl. The black redstart is found in the
area. ...
As with Reach 1, this Reach has a wealth of world class heritage. This includes
the surviving docks, Millwall Ironworks and the Thames Ironworks, Greenwich
Park, Maritime Greenwich (A World Heritage Site including the Cutty Sark and
Gypsy Moth IV, the Royal Naval College, the National Maritime Museum, the
Royal Observatory, Trinity Almshouses and the church of St Alfege), Greenwich
Generating Station, South Metropolitan Gas Company Holder, Victualling Yards
at Deptford, and the Millennium Dome. There are a number of Conservation
Areas mainly on the Isle of Dogs, Deptford and Greenwich. ...
BUILT HERITAGE
Archaeological finds in this area include extensive prehistoric woodland on the
Isle of Dogs, a prehistoric trackway on the western side of the Greenwich
Peninsula, a Bronze Age barrow cemetery and a Roman building within the
Greenwich World Heritage Site. Greenwich, Poplar and Deptford all have
medieval origins although only Greenwich is mentioned in Domesday Book
(1086). During the Medieval period Deptford was important for its royal
dockyards and Greenwich was flourishing as a maritime centre. Later the Isle
of Dogs also became a focus for shipbuilding. ...
KEY CHARACTERISTICS AND INFLUENCES
• This Reach is mostly characterised as an enclosed river corridor on a
horseshoe shaped bend, which has densely built up river frontage banks.
Although residential development along the riverfront predominates in
most parts of the Reach, there are still areas of commercial and industrial
use including active wharves.
• The high rise, glazed office blocks of Canary Wharf dominate the skyline
and form a prominent landmark visible from all angles and from a
considerable distance.
• The key existing landmarks in this Reach are Canary Wharf, the domed
entrances to the Greenwich Foot Tunnel, Cutty Sark, the Old Royal Naval
College, the Millennium Dome and Laban Dance Centre on Deptford Creek.
1822: Anne Lister's Diary 1st September, on a steamer following the Royal Squadron of George IV at Blackwall -
Between Woolwich and Greenwich close to the river, on our left, opposite to Blackwall, 3 gibbets standing at a little distance from each other, the first showing the remains of one man, the others the remains of 2 men each. They were Malays (sailors) executed perhaps 8 or 10 years ago for murdering their captain.
Blackwall Tunnel
These two A102 road tunnels link Greenwich and Tower Hamlets. It is a key link
between the north and south sides of the river and forms part of an important
route into central London from south-east London and Kent. The
southern approach takes traffic from the A2 trunk route.
1891: Work began on the western tunnel,
designed by Sir Alexander Binnie and built by S Pearson & Sons for the
London County Council at a cost of £1.4
million. It
was then the longest underwater tunnel in the world at 4,410 feet (1,344
m) long. It took six years to construct, using
tunnelling shield and compressed air techniques.
1897: 22nd
May: Western tunnel opened by the Prince of Wales.
1967: 2nd August: The Eastern tunnel was
opened, with fewer height restrictions and no sharp corners.
Today the
western bore is only used for north-bound traffic (and is not accessible
to high-sided vehicles). The southern portal
features a striking gateway built of red brick. The
tunnel itself has several sharp bends. Some
suggest these were built so that horses would not bolt once they saw the
daylight (motor vehicles were rare in 1897), though the bends may also
have been created so that the tunnel avoided the foundations of other
structures. The tunnel carries two lanes of
traffic, though higher vehicles need to keep to the left-hand lane so that
they do not hit the tunnel's inner lining.
Jubilee Line tunnels
1999: between Canary Wharf and North Greenwich.
Docklands Light Railway tunnels
1999: between Island Gardens and Cutty Sark.
Greenwich River Thames Site
Map: Greenwich Hospital
Right Bank, the Navy's oldest charity
Greenwich Hospital, 1802, Ireland
1833: The Dublin University Magazine -
Looking at [Greenwich Hospital] from the river,
it is, I suppose, one of the grandest
piles of building in the world — the
Custom-house and the Bank in Dublin
not being excepted.
The foreigner
is amazed when he learns, as he sails
up to London, that the superb palace
which he looks upon, is the place
where England lodges and provides for
her old sailors, who have been wounded
or worn out in the glorious service
of the British navy. I like this exceedingly —
it is not mere vanity — it is
a noble ostentation — a fitting compliment
to the force which makes Britain
what she is, or rather what she has
been, for times have changed.
The
national spirit has miserably fallen
away into a petty, hateful, cosmopolite
pseudo-philosophy, and Englishmen,
instead of feeling the glory of Greenwich,
grumble at the expense. There
are men, aye, and popular men, too,
who, if they had their will, would sell that magnificent building to the highest bidder, and lodge the old sailors at the lowest rate for which they could make a "contract".
This mean spirit of thrift would never have made the character of a great nation, and will not maintain it now that it is made.
1837: Knickerbocker -
I walked to Greenwich, three miles, where, as you know, is the observatory
from which longitude is reckoned all over the world, as the school-girls are well aware.
The observatory is on a high, steep hill, in the centre of a large and beautiful park,
filled with hills and dales, deer, trees, ponds, and every thing pretty.
The prospect from the observatory is superb.
London on the left — St. Paul's and a few spires only peeping above the dun smoke —
the Thames, winding about in a zig-zag direction, covered with the ' freighted argosies' of all nations,
some just arrived perhaps from the East Indies or the North pole — some destined for Botany Bay or Nootka Sound ;
beyond, the green hills and meadows;
and at your feet this lovely park, and the noble hospital for seamen, on the banks of the river.
It is a scene for a painter.
1842: Greenwich Hospital and the Dreadnought (Naval Hospital ship) -
Greenwich and the Dreadnought, 1842
Behind the hulk of the Dreadnought, in use as a naval hospital, rise the steeple of St Alphege Church and,
on the hill above, Flamstead House; on the left the Royal Naval Hospital.
Map: Cutty Sark
1710:
The 'Peregrine' and Other Royal Yachts off Greenwich
2007: The Cutty Sark was seriously damaged by fire. This happened during a thorough going
restoration and much of the ship had been stripped and stored elsewhere.
BBC CUTTY SARK NEWS
16 Frith photos of Greenwich
Greenwich Reach
THAMES STRATEGY EAST Part 4 - Reach 1-3 - This covers the following Reaches:
Upper Pool; Lower Pool; Limehouse; Greenwich; Blackwell; Bugsby's; and Woolwich. A large (7.79Mb) pdf file.
Thames Strategy East
has the overall details.
The Thames Strategy description of Greenwich Reach is above.
Poplar Blackwall and District Rowing Club, left bank
1822: Anne Lister's Diary 1st September, on a steamer following the Royal Squadron of George IV at Woolwich -
Just after passing Woolwich the Lord Mayor with some of the principal city officers
and some ladies came in his lordship's gingerbread state barge to meet his majesty [George IV].
The royal yacht and the barge stopped a little distance right ahead of each other for a
little while, the 2 bands playing. The Lord Mayor then turned about and led the way to Greenwich.
The Times of this morning says:
"Just before the royal yacht reached Blackwall, the Lord Mayor in the City Barge towed by
the Eagle, a Ramsgate steam packet, drew gently off into the centre of the river
and taking the lead preceded the royal squadron until it arrived at Greenwich".
Soldiers drawn up in front of the hospital, along the quay, the river crowded with boats.
It seemed a miracle we did them no damage, that rammed with our prow, and hung round us on
all sides. There would have been many more had the time of the king's arrival been more known.
We passed a great many boats full of people rowing as fast as they could to come in for
the sight, full of company that would not believe us they were too late.
We made the best of our way.
Greenwich Foot Tunnel
1902: connecting the Isle of Dogs to Greenwich.
Similar to Brunel's tunnel at Wapping, they are
reached by vertical shafts of each bank, although this time with the added
comfort of lifts to take people down to the tunnel level.
Each shaft is topped by an elegant pagoda
which houses the lift machinery and a spiral staircase. The
entrances are at:
Island Gardens on the Isle of Dogs;
By the Cutty Sark at Greenwich,
Jubilee Line tunnels
1999: between Canada Water and Canary Wharf.
Wapping to Rotherhithe Tunnel
Wapping to Rotherhithe Tunnel cross section from "The Thames Tunnel", 1825
1825: March, construction started on a foot tunnel to connect Wapping in the north with Rotherhithe to the south. The first tunnel under the Thames - designed and built by Marc Isambard Brunel.
A TUNNEL under a River of the magnitude of the Thames, which now bears on its bosom the Columbus
of 3690 tons the largest ship in the world, will
appear, perhaps, to some persons, of not very easy
comprehension. As this is a novelty connected with
commerce the engraving [above] is intended to convey a
more complete idea of this grand undertaking than
could be given by mere description.
The cut represents
the Thames as seen from the north shore, with
Rotherhithe Church in the distance on the south. A
ship is seen going down the river, and a steam-boat
proceeding up the river ; and the subaqueous and subterraneous
archways are from the one to the other
shore.
It will be thus seen that the Tunnel will consist
of two archways, and, in order that there may be no
obstruction to carriages, those going from the north to
the south shore will pass through one, while those from
the south to the north will pass through the other archway.
These passages will be paved, or macadamized,
and there will be distinct footpaths for foot passengers.
In the centre, between the two archways, and dividing
the two roads, will be a line of numerous arches of
communication, spacious enough to admit of persons
passing from one road to the other; and in each of these arches will be fixed a strong gas-light.
The
approaches to the entrance of the Tunnel will be by
descents of easy declivity, not exceeding four feet per
hundred feet ; one, smaller, for pedestrians ; another
larger for carriages ; and so easy will the descent be,
that the heaviest loaded waggon will never need to
lock a wheel. The descent from the north side will be
near to the end of Old Gravel-lane, at the eastern end
of the London Dock ; and, on the south side of the
river, from a spot near to Rotherhithe Church.
Wapping to Rotherhithe Tunnel cross section
20th JULY, 1827
Another edition of this little pamphlet being called for, it
may be proper to say a few words as to the accident which
has stopped the progress of the tunnel.
The great interest
the public have taken in this truly national work has made it a matter of notoriety, that in May the water of the Thames
broke into the tunnel, between the termination of the brickwork
and the shield, from causes which have been amply detailed
in the newspapers. Measures were immediately set on
foot for stopping the influx of water, which have, in a great
measure, proved effectual ; the water is so far reduced, that
there is great probability the work will re-commence very
soon, and proceed without further delay.
It may, with great
truth, be said, that no accident to any public work could have
excited more sympathy and regret, and where success will be
hailed with greater joy.
1830: -
Near Rotherhithe Church.
And opposite the end of Old Gravel-lane,
on the Wapping Side of the River.
Notice is hereby given, that the Public may view the Tunnel every day (Sundays excepted),
from Seven in the morning until Eight in the Evening,
upon payment of one Shilling for each person.
The Tunnel is lighted with Gas, is dry and warm, and the descent is by a safe and easy staircase.
By Order,
James Birkett,
Clerk to the Company.
Walbrook-buildings, May 14, 1830
1837: Knickerbocker -
To-day I have 'done' Thames Tunnel, ...
The tunnel is just like the pictures of it.
You have to descend as many steps to get to it as would take you to a church steeple.
I walked to the end of this subterraneous cavern, where they were at work, under the very centre of the river.
Ugh! Only to think of being at the mercy of those frail brick arches, under the very bed of a mighty river,
on which the largest ships are moving over our heads!
What if they should come in contact with the arches, at low water!
The whole place would be instantly filled, and wo to the luckless wight who happens to be in it!
In case of such an accident, there is no chance of escape.
1840: April, the tunnel was completed.
Numerous roof falls, flooding and other problems beset the whole
undertaking.
1843,
January, Queen Victoria officially opened the tunnel to the public. -
Tunnel Medallion
1844:
View of the Rotherhithe Tunnel
The tunnel
was never a success as access to it had to be via vertical shafts on each
bank and the dark and dank conditions soon made it unpopular.
1869, the tunnel was taken over by the East London Railway.
It is still
used by the East London Line of the
Underground and has recently undergone a major refurbishment.
Limehouse Reach
THAMES STRATEGY EAST Part 4 - Reach 1-3 - This covers the following Reaches:
Upper Pool; Lower Pool; Limehouse; Greenwich; Blackwell; Bugsby's; and Woolwich.
A large (7.79Mb) pdf file. The characteristics of Reach One are shown below:
Thames Strategy East
has the overall details.
REACH ONE: UPPER POOL, LOWER POOL AND LIMEHOUSE REACH
NORTHERN BANK: WAPPING, SHADWELL, RATCLIFF, LIMEHOUSE
SOUTHERN BANK: BERMONDSEY AND ROTHERHITHE
This Reach stretches from The Tower of London to Cuckold’s Point on the
southern bank and West Ferry Circus on the northern bank. ...
The river runs
east-south-east from the Tower of London to King’s Stairs where it bends
north-east around Wapping. The river then bends sharply around Rotherhithe
Peninsula and runs due south beyond Cuckold’s Point. The river varies in width
between 250 metres and 350 metres. This part of the Thames is characterised by
large historic brick wharf buildings adjacent to the edge of the river, with a
strong vertical form, most of which have been converted to high quality flats
and offices, and new riverside developments. The dock basins and canals are
also important features of this area which provide open spaces in the
otherwise densely built-up urban fabric. Both banks are densely built up, with
building heights generally varying between 5 - 10 storeys.
From this Reach there are many views to important London landmarks including
Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, City Hall, Canary Wharf and the Swiss-Re
Building. There is a distinct sense of arrival at the heart of London. The land
use along this part of the river is almost exclusively residential and offices, and
the intensity of development here is greater than in Reach 2. Tower Bridge
marks the gateway to central London, where there are many river crossings,
landmark buildings adjacent to the river, and riverside promenades.
The northern bank of the river comprises St-George-in-the-East, Wapping,
Shadwell and Limehouse. The building frontages on the northern bank are
generally more continuous than those on the southern bank. The Wapping
waterfront includes a large number of converted historic wharf buildings, built
of London stock brick with characteristic features such as vertical form, arched
windows and cranes attached to the walls. Some of the narrow winding streets
behind the wharf buildings, notably Wapping High Street, are still cobbled and
retain their historic character. St Katharine Docks, Shadwell Basin and
Limehouse Basin have been redeveloped as marinas and are mainly surrounded
by residential development, although St Katharine Docks has a more mixed-use
character with offices, pubs and restaurants. The waterfront at Shadwell and
Limehouse is slightly less continuously developed and there is a waterfront
park east of Shadwell Basin containing the entrance pavilion to the
Rotherhithe foot tunnel. The urban structure of the northern bank is generally
fine-grained with many narrow streets and small block sizes. Development
behind the riverfront is varied, with housing estates of various types and ages
from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
The building frontage on the southern bank is more open with a number of
small parks and viewing points. Historic wharf buildings, with vertical form,
line the riverfront between Tower Bridge and Tempus Wharf. Butler’s Wharf has
recently been redeveloped and now includes restaurants and cafes overlooking
the river, and a wide, high quality York stone promenade. Historic street
patterns also remain here; Shad Thames, behind Butler’s Wharf, is a memorable
narrow, cobbled street with historic warehouses on either side. Development
along the riverfront East of Tempus Wharf mainly comprises council estates of
relatively low quality. These do not address the river adequately and do not
match the scale or mass of the historic buildings. The small green spaces and
viewpoints along this part of the riverfront are in need of refurbishment. Surrey
Water is the only remaining dock basin on the southern bank of this Reach.
The riverbanks are mostly vertical walls dressed with sections of timber. There
are no soft edges to the river in this Reach.
River infrastructure includes one pier along the northern riverfront (St
Katharine Pier) and two piers along the southern riverfront (Cherry Garden Pier
and Butlers Wharf Pier). There is a regular river-based commuter service from
the Savoy to Masthouse Terrace which stops at a number of places including St
Katharine Docks. Access onto the foreshore is relatively good with 17 sets of
steps along the northern bank and 12 sets of steps along the southern bank.
There is a marina at St Katharine Docks and two water sports centres: St
Katharine Yacht Club and St Katharine Yacht Haven. River crossings include
Tower Bridge and the Rotherhithe Tunnel.
The Thames Path runs along both banks of the river. Access to and along the
river is relatively good especially on the southern bank where modern
development has been set back to allow the Path to run alongside the river.
However there are many places where buildings are built right up to the edge
of the river where the Path cuts back along back streets. There are a number
of steps and ramps leading up to the riverside sections of the Path which are
obstacles to cyclists. The Path varies in quality from very high in front of
Butler’s Wharf to very poor by some riverside council estates.
Ecological habitats within this Reach include vertical and hard defence walls,
artificial structures and docks. Sites of biodiversity importance include
Limehouse Basin and Limehouse Cut that are designated as Sites of
Metropolitan Importance. Russia Dock woodland and Surrey Water are
designated as Sites of Borough Importance (Grade1) and St Katharine Docks
are designated a Site of Local Importance. ...
There are a many sites of built heritage importance in this Reach including the
Tower of London (designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Tower Bridge, St
Katharine Docks, Shadwell Dock and Limehouse Basin, Rotherhithe Tunnel,
Thames Tunnel, Shad Thames, Butler’s Wharf, New Concordia Wharf and Anchor
Brewhouse, Wapping Wall, Wapping Pier Head and High Street, St George’s-inthe-
East Church at Wapping, St Anne’s Church at Limehouse, and St Mary’s
Church at Rotherhithe. There are a number of Conservation Areas, mostly on
the northern bank. ...
Archaeology in the area includes prehistoric finds of burnt and worked flint,
pottery, daub and bone along with evidence of later prehistoric agriculture. The
Tower of London is multi-period; the medieval fortress is believed to be located
on a late Roman administrative complex. Other evidence of Roman
development include cremation cemeteries and a massive Roman masonry
building. King Edward III (1327-77) built a moated manor house to the west
of Rotherhithe which is partly excavated. At Limehouse, limekilns and an
extensive industrial complex and wharves dated to the later medieval period
have been recorded. During the 17th century Rotherhithe was home to a
thriving shipbuilding industry and in 1620 the Mayflower set sail for America
from Rotherhithe docks. ...
KEY CHARACTERISTICS AND INFLUENCES
• This Reach is characterised by large historic brick wharf buildings built
adjacent to the edge of the river, most of which have been converted to
high quality flats and offices, and new riverside development.
• The dock basins and canals are important features which provide open
spaces in the otherwise dense urban fabric.
• The key landmarks are the Tower of London; Tower Bridge; City Hall; St
Mary’s Church; Bermondsey; and the dome entrances to the Rotherhithe
Foot Tunnel.
Lower Pool
Upstream to Tower Bridge
Estuary
PLA
QEII Br
Barrier
Tower Br
Custom Ho
London Br
; Frost Fairs
Cannon St Rb
The Great Stink
Southwark Br
Millenium Br
Blackfriars Rb
Blackfriars Br
Waterloo Br
Charing Cross Rb
Westminster Br
Lambeth Br
Vauxhall Br
Victoria Rb
Chelsea Br
Albert Br
Battersea Br
Battersea Rb
Wandsworth Br
Fulham Rb
Putney Br
Hammersmith Br
Barnes Rb
Chiswick Br
Kew Rb
Kew Br
RICHMOND
Twickenham Br
Richmond Rb
Richmond Br
TEDDINGTON
Kingston Rb
Kingston Br
Ditton Slip
Hampton Br
MOLESEY
SUNBURY
Walton Br
Desborough Cut
SHEPPERTON
Chertsey Br
CHERTSEY
M3 Br
Laleham Slip
PENTON HOOK
Staines Rb
Staines Br
Runnymede Br
BELL WEIR
Magna Carta Is
OLD WINDSOR
Albert Br
Datchet
Victoria Br
Black Potts Rb
ROMNEY
Eton
Windsor Br
Windsor Rb
Windsor Slip
Elizabeth Br
BOVENEY
Dorney Lake
York Cut
Summerleaze Fb
MonkeyIsland
New Thames Br
BRAY
Bray Slip
Maidenhead Rb
Maidenhead Br
Below Boulters
BOULTERS
Cliveden
Hedsor
COOKHAM
Cookham Slip
Cookham Br
BourneEnd RFb
Quarry Woods
A404 Br
MARLOW
Marlow Br
Bisham
TEMPLE
HURLEY
Medmenham
Culham Ct
Aston Slip
HAMBLEDEN
Temple Is
Fawley Ct
Remenham
Regatta
Phyllis Ct
Henley Slip
Leander
Red Lion
Henley Br
Angel on Br
Landing
Hobbs Boatyard
Hobbs Slipway
MARSH
Hennerton
Bolney
Wargrave
Shiplake Rb
R.Loddon
SHIPLAKE
Sonning Br
SONNING
Dreadnought
K&A Canal
CAVERSHAM
Reading Br
Caversham Br
Reading Slip
Purley
MAPLEDURHAM
Hardwick Ho
Whitchurch Br
WHITCHURCH
Hartswood Reach
Gatehampton Rb
Goring Gap
Goring Br
GORING
Swan
CLEEVE
Moulsford
Moulsford Rb
Papist Way Slip
Winterbrook Br
Wallingford Br
BENSON
Shillingford Br
R.Thame
DAYS
Burcot
Clifton Hampden
Clifton Church
Clifton H Br
Barley Mow
Long Wittenham
CLIFTON
Appleford Rb
Sutton Courtenay
Sutton Br
CULHAM
Culham Cut Fb
Abingdon Slip
Abingdon
Abingdon Br
ABINGDON
Nuneham Rb
Nuneham
Nuneham Park
Radley Boats
SANDFORD
Rose Island
Kennington Rb
Isis Br
Iffley Mill
IFFLEY
Oxford Rowing
Isis
Donnington Br
Riverside Slip
Boathouses
Punting
Lower Cherwell
Upper Cherwell
Islip
Head of River
Salters Steamers
Folly Br
Bacons Folly
Oxford Fb
Osney Fb
Weir stream
Osney Rb
Bullstake Stream
Osney Marina
OSNEY
Osney Br
Four Rivers
OLD RIVER
CANAL
Medley Weir Site
Medley Fb
Bossoms
Perch
Trout
GODSTOW
Godstow Nunnery
Godstow Br
Thames Br
KINGS
River Evenlode
EYNSHAM
Swinford Br
Oxford Cruisers
PINKHILL
Farmoor
Stanton Harcourt
Bablock Slip
Arks Weir Site
NORTHMOOR
Harts Fb
//Rose Revived
Newbridge
//Maybush
River Windrush
below Shifford
SHIFFORD
Shifford Fb
Tenfoot Fb
Trout Inn
Tadpole Br
RUSHEY
Old Mans Fb
RADCOT
Radcot Cradle Fb
Swan Inn
Radcot New Br
Radcot Old Br
GRAFTON
Eaton Hastings
Kelmscott
Eaton Fb
BUSCOT
Bloomers Hole Fb
Trout Inn
St Johns Br
ST JOHNS
Halfpenny Br
Marina Slip
LIMIT
Inglesham
Hannington Br
Kempsford
Castle Eaton Br
Marston Meysey
A419 Br
Cricklade
SOURCE?
THAMES HEAD
SEVEN SPRINGS