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A TIMELINE OF LONDON DOCKS
The London Docks opened in 1855. This emerging Dock was the start for London to become a powerhouse global city.
At the time the Docks contained large ships that were able to facilitate transported goods such as food tobacco and fruits.
Since hundreds of thousands of foods grains, tobacco were imported, opportunities for employment became abundant.
The hazardous nature of work on the docks became notorious on 19 January 1917, when 50 tons of TNT blew up while workers were making munitions at Brunner Mond & Co in Silvertown. 73 people were killed, and up to 70,000 buildings were damaged. The Silvertown Explosion remains the biggest in London’s history.
World War 2 Impact
The war caused devastating effects on the London Docks. Huge bombings caused destructions to warehouses, ports and the Millenium Mills.
Revival and new construction of Airport
In mid 1981, the London Docklands Development Corporation was formed with the objective of regenerating and finding new uses for the former docks of London.
In 1987, the London City Airport was opened creating attraction for trade and investment.
1870
Here is the first map for the London Docks. As you can see to start off with, there a just some factories around the edges.
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