On Sunday 28 January 2024 our Rambling Group assembled at Tower Hill Underground Station for a two hour ramble through parts of London that were the docks for unloading ships in earlier times. Above can be seen part of St Katherine’s Dock with part of the Tower of London on the left, and also the modern examples of architecture that exemplify the skyline of London in the 21st Century on the right. On this occasion the weather obliged, and we had a crisp sunny morning in which to explore the area.

We started the walk in St Katherine’s Dock where he had an excellent view of the many craft moored in the basins off the River Thames.

We then strolled on to have a look at the Hermitage Pond and then crossed the road to visit the Hermitage Memorial Gardens where there was an excellent view of the River Thames, Tower Bridge, the Shard and many more familiar buildings.

We then crossed Wapping High Street to visit the former St John’s Churchyard where most of the gravestones have now been cleared to the western wall. There was however and excellent view from the churchyard of former school in Scandrett Street, the Turk’s Head Public House (now a cafe) and a board telling the recent history of the building.

Our last major port of call on this walk was Tobacco Dock, where in dry dock can be found the Three Sisters (red hull) and the Sea Lark, both of which house museums that explain the history of the location to local schoolchildren. There are also a number of retail outlets in Tobacco Dock but those were saved for another day.

We then strolled down Wapping Lane back to Wapping High Street where the walk ended at Wapping Station. Our leader, Kevin, was warmly thanked by all those that took part in this view of an unfamiliar corner of old London.