Wapping, E1W

The historic east London district of Wapping E1W, part of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, is bordered by the north bank of the River Thames, The Highway, St Katharine Docks and Shadwell Basin. Rich with maritime history and dotted with converted warehouses and charming marinas, the area also offers some of the best contemporary central London riverside homes and property. Wapping links the City of London with Limehouse and Canary Wharf via the historic Highway Road, as well as the DLR, Tube and Rail available from Wapping Overground terminus, Tower Hill, and Shadwell station.

Until the late 18^th century, Wapping was a small riverside village which was transformed into one of the busiest enclosed and secured docks along the River Thames. The London Dock Company was behind the huge investment in the area securing its monopoly over management of “all vessels carrying rice, tobacco, wine and brandy (apart those from the East and West Indies)”. Opened on 30 January 1805, the docks had the capacity to accommodate around 500 ships. By the 1930s, with the advance of larger steam ships and later container ships, the docks started losing their importance and were eventually closed in 1969. Many original buildings were replaced by new housing and the surviving Victorian wharfs, mostly along Wapping High Street, were converted for residential use.

One of the first converted warehouses is Oliver’s Wharf, a Grade II-listed Victorian building backing onto the Thames, followed by St John's Wharf, Old Aberdeen Wharf and Gun Wharves. Wapping Pierhead conservation area (designated in 1969 and extended in 2008) forms part of London’s historic docklands and includes the former entrance to the London Docks and many 18^th century listed buildings. Cobbled streets, historic pubs, elegant residential squares and parks, dock entrances, and jetties are part of the rich industrial heritage of Wapping. Preservation of the unique architecture secured successful regeneration of this former industrial area into a charming and very desirable residential district. Warehouse property in Wapping features exceptionally bright and voluminous living space with high ceilings, original brick work, large windows, and exposed steel structural elements. Wapping Gardens and St. John’s Churchyard north of the high street adds to the attractive village character of Wapping. Nearby is the Wilton Music Hall, the oldest surviving music hall in the world. Along the river is a string of heritage pubs such as the Prospect of Whitby, the Captain Kid, and the Town of Ramsgate.

Juxtaposed against these historic buildings are contemporary developments which are set back from the river at St Katharine Dock around Kennet Street, near Shadwell Basin, Tobacco Dock, and the most recent luxury housing additions at London Dock.

Local amenities in Wapping are varied from a large Waitrose supermarket at Thomas Moore Square, Johns Orwell Sports Centre on Trench Street and Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre, to a large events venue at the Grade I listed Tobacco Dock.

Developments

London Dock

Tobacco Dock

21 Wapping Lane

Halcyon Wharf - new

Wapping Wall

Capital Wharf - new

Aberdeen Wharf, St Johns Wharf, Gun Wharf

Council:

Tower Hamlets

Transport:

Travel Zone 2