City and River

1800-1840

First Port of Empire

1840-1880

Sailortown

1840-1850

Explore the dark alleyways of London’s Sailortown

An immersive display recreates the atmosphere of Sailortown. This ramshackle London district, close to the docks, centred around Wapping, Shadwell and Ratcliffe.

Not to be missed on your visit

View slideshow

Discover a forgotten way of life

The winding streets of Sailortown were packed with everything a ship and its crew needed - from rope-makers and shipchandlers to lodging houses and brothels.

Enter the dark alleyways of the Dockland's Sailortown.

Explore the dark alleyways

Sailortown evokes the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian London. The twisting passages have many secrets and surprises to discover.

The Three Mariners pub in Sailortown, behind the print-selling shop.

Find the Stationer & Printer

Long, dull sea voyages made sailors eager to buy reading material. Stationers would sell or trade books, newspapers, and prints of popular naval heroes and infamous pirates.

The Three Mariners pub in the reconstructed Sailortown at the Museum of London Docklands.

Step inside the Three Mariners pub

This seedy sailors' tavern echoes with the voices and music of its rough, hard-drinking customers.

Peer into the windows of the Animal Emporium

Sailors from across the world came to London, bringing with them exotic souvenirs and animals. See how many rare creatures you can spot in the Animal Emporium.

Gallery access

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

10am – 5.30pm

The gallery is on the second floor and can be accessed by lift. It has some uneven floors.

Entry free, no ticket required.

Sailortown also of interest

Family visits

Discover our free resources for children's visits

Families page

Take a free tour

Free tours through the highlights of each gallery run daily

Plan your visit

Return of the last contingent, vintage image

Social history collection

The Museum of London has extensive records of the working history of the port

Discover the collection

Discover London Through History

From Sierra Leone to Stalag Luft I: Remembering Johnny Smythe

Trick or treat? Things that go chomp in the night

Photographing black Britain: Roger Mayne and Henry Grant

Black British photography: Neil Kenlock and Armet Francis

Bestsellers

Beasts of London

Books

Reach every London schoolchild

Celebrate the London collection

Votes for Women