Heading upriver on the South bank, from the barrier, we find:
Anchor & Hope Lane;
Anchor & Hope Pub;
Anchor & Hope Wharf;
Riverside Wharf;
Durham Wharf;
Charlton Pier;
Murphy's Wharf;
Angerstein's Wharf;
Greenwich Yacht Club;
Bugsby's Hole;
Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park;
Mudlark Pier;
South Thames Barrier Yacht Club;
London Soccerdrome;
O2 (DOME);
Cable car;
North Greenwich Pier;
Point Wharf;
Blackwall Beach;
Blackwall Point.
Charlton Riverside Concept Plan 2012
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.
Telegraph Wharf
London Sheet 80, Silvertown 1893 (Map). 1:2500 reduced to 1:4340. Old Ordnance Survey Maps,
The Godfrey Edition. Alan Godfrey. ISBN 978-0-85054-073-4.
Right (south) bank wharf, see PLA chart:
The work was carried out in advance of the replacement of the existing river wall
which is in a very decayed state; work which may impact upon the remains of earlier
timber river frontages.
Colliers had to wait in Bugsby's Reach to enter the Dock at Blackwall.
Slightly down river of Angerstein Wharf in Charlton, William Cory erected a vast coal handling plant
mounted on a floating platform called Atlas. In this area was 'Durham Wharf'.
(Durham Wharf is still there between Angerstein Wharf and Anchor and Hope Lane
but since writing this I understand that it was associated with the - orginally Durham based - glass industry.
However Cory are still on that stretch of riverside with a business based around the
transport of rubbish by barge.
Nearby housing - Atlas and Derrick Gardens -
was built for their staff working on Atlas on which the cranes were known as Derricks).
Charlton in the second half of the nineteenth
century was still largely an agricultural area
with fields covering most of the study area.
Some residential and industrial development
had begun at this stage, mostly focused towards the eastern end of the area nearest Woolwich town centre and along the present-day
Woolwich Road in the area of Charlton railway
station.
Lombard's Wall is (or was since it is now entirely disappeared under heavy duty lorries)
an embankment constructed by the Tudor historian, William Lambarde, [1536 - 1601] to prevent flooding
of his property in Westcombe - referred to in 1555 as an 'in-wall' or a 'man way'.
Was this Warspite Wharf (site of Siemens Brothers Telegraph Works)?
Thames Wharf
Marked on PLA Chart. Not in
PLA definitive berths list
Riverside Wharf (Tarmac)
Tarmac Ltd, Charlton Plant, Riverside Wharf, Herringham Road, Charlton. SE7 8SJ
Can accommodate ships up to 70 metres, normally handles cargoes up to 1,400 tonnes.
Minimal open storage only. Site storage for aggregates only for the manufacture of road coating materials.
This facility is able to off-load aggregates to a riverside receiving hopper only,
which is then transferred via conveyors to stockpile bays.
Vessels above 1,000 tonnes need to be moved along the berth as discharge takes place.
Duresco Wharf
Old Ballast Wharf. Bridon International. Tarmac. Heavy Building. Materials UK. Riverside. Wharf. 492. 493. 494. Storm. Outlet. Stangard. Works
(Charlton Ballast Wharf)?
Anchorage Point
Marked on PLA Chart
Vazey's Wharf
Marked on PLA Chart.
Archaelogical Survey:
Two wooden riverfront revetments were recorded which were constructed from re-used ships' timbers,
one of which was associated with a concrete crane base. They
probably dated to the period c.1856-1904/5. The latest appears to have fallen out of use during the 20th
century and been replaced by a corrugated iron river wall, which has seen at least two phases of
repair. Four of the timbers in the later revetment appear to have been pine deck beams
from one or two of either an 18th or 19th century 3rd rate line-of-battle-ship or a large frigate,
while the planking of the same revetment may possibly be deck planking from the same vessel(s).
The site itself was occupied from c.1856 by the Castle's shipbreaking concern and it
is likely that these re-used vessel timbers were the result of their activity. As were
those comprising three further structures in the near vicinity:
A platform had been built of approximately 100 surviving timbers, probably in
1904/05, from the Duke of Wellington (first rate, launched 1852), and at least one of
Hannibal, Edgar and Anson (second rates, launched 1854, 1858 and 1860 respectively),
and iron plates and lumps apparently from the proto-battleship Ajax launched in 1880.
This stack butted up against the latest of the revetments with which this report is primarily concerned
and thus post-dates it.
A slipway, located some 50m east of the site studied in this report, comprised
approximately 80 re-used ships' timbers from at least three vessels of brig, sloop,
corvette or frigate size. At present, it
seems most likely that this structure was
constructed between 1861 and 1885.
The revetment on the east face of Vaizey's
Wharf is also partially comprised of re-used vessel timbers, probably warship side planking.
Anchor & Hope Lane, Pub and Wharf
Anchor & Hope Pub
Anchor & Hope Wharf Archaeology report
The Big Freeze at Anchor and Hope Wharf 1895 National Maritime Museum, London
Durham (Coal) Wharf
Greenwich Peninsula History, chapter 6:
Charlton (Parish) Wharf
Charlton River Masterplan:
Three wharves along the River Thames were
situated on the northern edge of the site,
Angerstein's Wharf, Charlton Wharf and
Charlton Ballast Wharf with some sign of
industrial activity beginning to emerge with the
presence of the telegraph works to the east.
Charlton Pier
Corys yard
Lombards Wharf
"Lombard's" refers to William Lambarde.
Greenwich Peninsula History:
The north-west boundary to the area is Horn Lane, the line of which can still be traced
running parallel to the modern Pear Tree Way.
This was known in the sixteenth century as 'Hornewall' - another flood barrier.
However on the Skinner plan of 1746 Horn Lane does not reach as far as the river
but peters out at the 'common sewer' coming from Marsh Lane parallel to the river,
which here took a right angled turn to reach the river as 'Kings Sluice'.
It must therefore be inferred that the drainage of this area must have taken place between 1601 and 1622,
or before 15?? - and could not have been part of the schemes of the 1580s,
since that was in the reign of Elizabeth.
Cory's Barge Works
Murphy's Wharf
Outer and Inner berths. Tarmac Ltd. major aggregates terminal
Angerstein's Wharf
CEMEX.
Greenwich Peninsula History:
The area of Angerstein Wharf can roughly be determined as that land to the west and north of Lombard's Wall.
[See Lombard's Wharf above]
- the historic parish boundary between Greenwich and Charlton.
From c.1912 to post 1955 part of the wharf was leased to William Christie, with, among other things,
a plant to treat timber with creosote.
Some of the earliest references to land in the Marsh refer to 'Thistlecroft'
and it may that this is the area referred to.
In 1555 the riverside area is named as 'Abbots Howkes'.
However the land was in Westcombe Manor, in a sub area known as Nethercombe,
which stretched as far as the areas now known as Blackheath Standard.
The land had been part of that passed in AD 918 by Princess Aelfrida to the Abbey of Ghent
and then nationalised by Henry VIII in 1537, and then annexed to the Royal Manor of Old Court,
East Greenwich, and briefly owned by Anne Boleyn.
Various other tenants and lessees occupied the area, including the Tudor historian William Lambarde,
until in 1801 it was passed to John Julius Angerstein, the Russian born founder of Lloyds.
When the Skinner Plan was drawn up in 1746 the two plots between Lombard Wall and Horn Lane
are marked as owned by Sir William Sanderson in the occupation of Thomas Moor.
Moor was the lessee of Combe Farm (the farm was between Combedale Road and Woolwich Road).
A century later the Tithe Map shows most of the area not let but under the control of John Angerstein -
and he was later to construct a private railway line through the fields.
This railway remains in use, although it has never carried passenger traffic.
PLA Monthly, April 1934 -
Angerstein Wharf was built in 1851 by John Angerstein, a descendant of John Julius Angerstein,
whose name figures in the annals of "Lloyd's", of which body he was an underwriting member at the age of twenty-one.
In his time he was an outstanding personage in the business world and was referred to as "The father of Lloyd's".
John Julius Angerstein died in 1823.
The single line of railway, 79 chains long, connecting Angerstein Wharf with the Southern Railway,
was built after John Angerstein had obtained the necessary powers in 1851.
It is said to be the only instance of a private person obtaining
an Act of parliament for the construction of a railway.
1934: PLA Monthly, April -
Bugsby's Hole until lately was spoken of by watermen as "Rotten Row", because here congregated
many little yachts, motor-boats, and other small craft, in varying states of repair or otherwise.
The site has now been cleared and is a barge-repairing spot and the headquarters of the Greenwich yacht Club.
Greenwich Yacht Club website -
Thames waterman and river workers founded Greenwich Yacht Club in Greenwich on the 10th March 1908.
The Clubhouse was situated for many years on the beach adjacent to the current clubhouse.
Originally, it was a beached Thames Sailing Barge "Iverna", then later a hut on the Mudlarks Way beach.
The boat yard includes space for dinghies, boat storage and boat constuction.
The workshop provides a secure dry boat and engine maintenance area, plus a limited number of lockers.
Male and female changing facilities and showers are also available.
The earliest industry on the Greenwich Peninsula was in 1194 ...
The Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park website says -
The Greenwich Peninsula was originally made up of agricultural fields, marshes and even a large millpond,
and was historically known as Greenwich Marsh.
"Dick Norton's yard was on the foreshore between Dorman Long's and Pear Tree Wharf ...
Peartree Wharf
Bugsby's Hole, Greenwich Yacht Club
Greenwich Yacht Club
In more recent times we were based in what is now known as the "old clubhouse" at the end of Riverway.
That site was required by English Partnerships, as part of the preparation for construction of the Millennium Dome
so English Partnerships provided the club with new facilites on the previously redundant Peartree Wharf.
Greenwich Yacht Club took occupation of the site early in November 1999 with temporary clubrooms
in what is now the schoolroom and where we celebrated the millenium.
In June 2000 we finally moved across to our large, very attractive clubhouse with a bar
overlooking the river where we meet and have regular events.
There are also family and committee rooms.
Greenwich Yacht Club, Peartree Wharf
On the river we have mud and deep water moorings that can accommodate boats up to 12 meters in length.
A convenient slipway makes it easy to launch boats and there is a slipmaster to bring out the boats for maintenance.
Today our club has more then 400 members and is still open for membership.
Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park
The area became heavily industrialised from the late 1880s onwards with gas and chemical works
and a major shipbuilding yard. The Blackwall Tunnel, built in 1897, destroyed much of the remaining field and marsh.
In fact there was no green space left on the Peninsula by 1968 except the British Gas Playing Fields
where the Sainsbury's and Comet superstores are now located.
From the 1970s onwards the Gas Works declined and marsh began to reappear on derelict land.
English Partnerships bought the land in 1997 and set in place a massive regeneration project,
which included bringing 121 hectares of neglected land back to life.
Innovative and exciting new schemes were put in to place, including restoration
of parts of the riverbank and the creation of the Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park as a freshwater habitat.
The Park is made up of an inner and outer lake. The outer lake area has open access at all times.
The inner lake area is accessible only through the Gatehouse during opening hours.
A fascinating variety of wildlife thrives in the Park, including frogs, toads and newts,
while there is a huge array of 'minibeasts'. In spring and summer the Park comes alive with
brightly coloured dragonflies and damselflies, and look out for butterflies over the meadow areas.
Specially designed bird hides allow you to watch the many different species, both local and visiting,
without disturbing them. As the seasons change, so do the types of birds you are likely to see.
Don't forget to have a look along the bank of the River Thames as well.
Norton's Wharf
Pat O'Driscoll quoted on
Greenwich Industrial History site:
the first jetty down-river from the end of River Way is Redpath Brown's,
which was taken over by the Thames Barrier Yacht Club ...
there used to be a steam crane on this jetty ...
the next jetty down, Dorman Long's, no longer exists.
It was in a bad state of repair and was removed several years ago. ...
the old clubhouse of the Greenwich Yacht Club was a little upstream of this jetty ...
the club has moved to what used to be Redpath Brown's canteen ...
Norton's did not have a wharf as such, and operated on the foreshore,
where there was a set of barge blocks running parallel to the shore.
He had a couple of old lighters too, which were used to moor craft alongside
and sometimes a craft would moor at the end of Dorman's jetty while awaiting a berth.
There was a little wicket gate in the corrugated iron fence at the landward end of Dorman's jetty
and here was a tap for water for a steam crane, and a heap of coal.
I understand that Norton also let out a few moorings.
The odd yacht barge also would lie here, with people on board - Venta was one such. ...
Norton's had two sheds the other side of the corrugated iron fence.
One was for storing tools, nuts, and bolts, paint, etc.
The other was Fred's living quarters. Fred (the watchman) was Dick's last employee."
Mudlarks Pier
This floating pontoon mooring was built in 1999 after the demolition of the jetty
on which the Thames Barrier yacht Club was located, during the development of the riverside
for the millenium exhibition.
South Thames Barrier Yacht Club
Thames Barrier Yacht Club facebook
Thames Barrier Yacht Club Ltd - company status: Dissolved.
Cable Car
Details from
TripAdvisor
The London Cable Car, officially known as 'The Emirates Air Line sponsored by Emirates Airline',
is a cable-car which crosses the River Thames in East London, between The Royal Docks near Canning Town
and the Greenwich Peninsula.
The Royal Docks Terminal, on the north side, is close to the Excel Centre.
The Greenwich Peninsula Terminal, on the south side, is close to the O2 Arena.
The cars leave each terminal every few seconds.
Journey time is ten minutes which gives visitors time to appreciate the view
(originally the crossing took 5 minutes at peak times to provide a quicker journey for regular commuters,
until it was realised that there weren't any!)
Each car can seat up to ten people and two bicycles, and boarding is monitored by staff.
The cable car opens at 7am Monday-Friday, 8am Saturday and 9am Sunday.
It closes at 8pm during the winter months (October to March)
and at 9pm during the Summer Months (April to September).
During events at the Excel Centre and the O2 Arena service may continue until later in the evening.
North Greenwich Pier
River Bus Express
The River Bus Express is a dedicated fast service running between Central London and The O2 before and after arena events. The journey takes around 35 minutes with departures from the London Eye stopping at London Bridge before arriving at North Greenwich for The O2.
Boats will leave North Greenwich 15 -20 minutes after the event finishes, meaning you can avoid the queues for the tube.
There are always lots of great things to do at The O2 whenever you visit.
Our regular services depart every 20 minutes from major piers.
O2, The Dome
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 (2000 AD)
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.
(Blackwall) Point Wharf
Blackwall Beach
Blackwall Point or Lea Ness