Old Wapping Riverside
FRIDAY 18 September
Smugglers, pirates - and murder most foul...
Meet at 11am to depart at 1115am from Tower Hill Tube station exit, by the Tower Hill Tram coffee cart a few steps outside station.
Wapping is arguably the most atmospheric surviving corner of maritime London, its cobbled streets and Georgian warehouses a reminder of what was once the bustling - and often nefarious - hub of our seaborne trade with the world. This walk along and around Wapping High Street explores the evocative docks and wharves, the spooky alleyways and 'stairs' down to the foreshore, and the ancient pubs that were the haunt of salty sea dogs, smugglers, pirates - and one of our most celebrated painters. Here, too, unfolded the tale of a notorious series of 19th century murders - and one of the most bizarre executions ever witnessed...
We will:
- uncover the history of St Katherines Dock and enjoy its views of London's great river
- discover Execution Dock, where pirates like Captain Kidd were executed and left chained up for three tides to wash over their bodies
- See the riverside HQ of London's first police force and its most celebrated investigation...
- ...the infamous multiple murders which gripped a nation - and the grim revenge taken on the killer
We'll end up at one of Wapping's historic pubs - please tick the PUB box if you're coming for lunch.
Please wear sensible shoes if you want to step onto the foreshore (not compulsory!)
Final details will be sent by email a few days before the walk
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