The Thames and Its Docks: A Lecture (Classic Reprint)

Alexander Forrow

ISBN 10: 1332036368 / ISBN 13: 9781332036363

Published by Forgotten Books, 2018

About this Item

Print on Demand. This book traces the fascinating history of the Thames and its docks, casting light on the origins and growth of London's port facilities. It highlights the challenges faced by the river during its early years, such as overcrowding, theft, and pollution, and explores the innovative solutions that were developed to address these issues. The author examines the establishment of the first public dock in 1799, shedding light on the motivations and difficulties involved in this pivotal moment. Through its exploration of the various dock schemes proposed and rejected, the book provides a glimpse into the complexities of urban planning during this period. Ultimately, the book reveals how the establishment of the West India and London Docks revolutionized the handling of goods in London and played a crucial role in the growth and prosperity of the port. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book.

Seller Inventory # 9781332036363_0

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Thames and Its Docks: A Lecture (Classic Reprint)
• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication Date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1332036368
• ISBN 13: 9781332036363
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Book Type: print-on-demand item
• Seller catalogs:
  • Minutes and Reports

About this title

Synopsis

How river work and dock networks redesigned a city and its trade.

This concise illustrated history explains how London's docks grew from early river facilities to a vast port system, shaping the economy and the shape of the city.

Told through the lens of historical plans, debates, and key moments, it traces how river traffic, from ancient beginnings to the rise of the great dock complexes, redefined where goods moved, how they were stored, and who gained power in the port. It highlights the competing schemes, civic ambitions, and the legal and economic forces that paved the way for London’s modern waterfront.

• Explore the origins of London’s dock system and the shift from river landing to dedicated dock facilities.
• Learn about major dock proposals at Wapping, Isle of Dogs, Rotherhithe, and beyond, and why some were built while others were not.
• See how government, city interests, and private companies negotiated compensation, monopolies, and access to waters and warehousing.
• Understand how the interaction of navigation, warehousing, and lighterage shaped operations and pricing for shippers and merchants.

Ideal for readers of maritime and London history, and anyone curious about how docks and river works transformed a great city.