London, Sugar & Slavery

1600 – present

Sailortown

1840-1850

City and River

1800-1840

Discover a city being transformed by vast new docks

The early 19th century brought great change to London's river and port. A huge docks complex was built on the Isle of Dogs, new bridges spanned the Thames and a tunnel was dug beneath it.

Not to be missed on your visit

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The interior of the City and River gallery at Museum of London Docklands.

See the vanished ceremony of London's river

The City of London has always been closely tied to the river Thames, for transport, commerce and leisure. This gallery shows everything from ceremonial costumes to policeman's swords.

Scrimshawed sperm whale tooth

London was once the world's busiest whaling port. Sailors on whaling ships would pass the time by carving whale teeth, like this one.

Cauldron used to render whale blubber into oil.

Whaling pot, early 19th century

This large cast-iron cauldron was used to render whale blubber into valuable oil. London South Sea whaling ships featured two of these pots in brick ovens on their decks.

Commemorative snuffbox showing the Thames tunnel

The first ever tunnel beneath a navigable river, the Thames Tunnel was a miracle of engineering when it opened in 1843. London Overground trains still use the tunnel today.

Model of St. Katharine's Docks

These docks were built to increase and better control the shipping trade. The dock closest to the City of London opened in 1828, designed by the famous engineer Thomas Telford.

Sabres carried by the police force employed by the Port of London Authority.

West India dock police swords

These weapons were issued to men of the West India dock police, a private security force created by the dock company in 1802, to guard the valuable port and cargoes.

Peepshow displaying the planned Thames Tunnel, opened in 1840.

Telescopic view of the Thames Tunnel, 1827

These 6 hand-coloured images of the Tunnel under the Thames was published the year construction began, and form an imagined view of how it would appear "when completed".

View of the proposed St. Katharine's Docks, by T.M. Baynes

This coloured lithograph was made before the new St. Katherine's Docks were built in 1827-28. They show a scene of bustling prosperity that it was hoped the new docks would bring.

Painting of a royal bargeman in ceremonial uniform.

Portrait of a Royal Bargeman, 1843, by W.R. Noble

This painting shows the Bargeman wearing the rich scarlet uniform of his profession, embroidered with the Royal Arms.

The Lord Mayor's Barge

This large and intricate model shows the ceremonial barge that carried the Lord Mayor of London on his annual procession along the river Thames until 1856.

Gallery access

The gallery is open during the museum's normal hours:

10:00am - 5:30pm

The gallery is on the second floor and can be accessed by lift.

Entry free, no ticket required.

City and River also of interest

Free events every day

From gallery tours and object handling to kids' sessions, there's always something to do at Docklands.

Plan your visit

Book a venue

The Museum of London Docklands has spaces to hire for weddings and corporate events.

Find out more

Port and river collection

The museum holds extensive records and objects from London's docks.

Explore our collections

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