
St Saviour's Dock has a rich history that spans over 400 years. The dock was originally a tidal dock, built in 1666 as part of the development of the nearby St Saviour's parish.
The dock was an important hub for trade and commerce in the 18th century, with ships coming from all over the world to unload their cargo. It was also a popular spot for sailors on shore leave.
In the 19th century, the dock underwent significant changes, including the construction of new warehouses and the introduction of new technologies to improve efficiency. The dock continued to be an important commercial center until the mid-20th century.
Today, St Saviour's Dock is a peaceful and tranquil spot, with a mix of old and new buildings and a thriving community of artists and residents.
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A Private History of a Public City
The conversion of New Concordia Wharf to apartments was carried out between 1982 and 1983 and was one of the first examples of warehouse conversions along the Thames.
St. Saviour's Wharf is a Grade II listed building, which means it's a significant historical landmark.
No idea what the purchaser of St Saviour's Wharf paid for the buildings, however today, a 2 bedroom apartment is for sale at £1.2 million.
The photo of the "B" warehouse of St Andrew's Wharf gives us a glimpse into the past.
St Saviour's Dock
St Saviour's Dock is a historic dock located in London, England. It was built in 1863 by William Cubitt and Company.
The dock was originally used for shipbuilding and repair, with a shipyard operating on its premises. The shipyard was later converted into a storage facility.
St Saviour's Dock is situated near the River Thames, just south of the City of London.
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History and Redevelopment
The history of St Saviour's Dock is a rich one. A community of Cluniac monks resided at Bermondsey Abbey from 1082 onwards, developing the marshes surrounding their abbey and digging dykes.
The monks turned the adjacent tidal inlet into the priory's dock, naming it Saint Saviour's Dock after their abbey's patron. This provided a safe landing for Bishops and goods below London Bridge.
In the 16th century, the area was known as Bermond's Eye in Southwark, founded by Alwin Childe, a citizen of London, in the year 1081.
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History
A community of Cluniac monks resided at Bermondsey Abbey south-east of the site from 1082 onwards. They developed the marshes surrounding their abbey, cultivating the land and creating a Priory Close spanning 140 acres of meadow.
The monks turned the adjacent tidal inlet into the priory's dock, naming it Saint Saviour's Dock after their abbey's patron. This provided a safe landing for Bishops and goods below the traditional first land crossing, the congested stone arches of London Bridge.
In the 16th century, English historian John Stow noted that the area was once a priory or abbey of St. Saviour, founded by Alwin Childe, a citizen of London, in the year 1081.
Redevelopment

The redevelopment of the area has transformed it into a thriving hub of activity. Developers moved in and gentrified the area, converting former warehouses into luxury apartments and offices.
Today, you'll find a variety of independent shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, galleries, and more on the ground level. The area is bustling with activity, making it a great place to visit or live.
Cargo ships no longer dock here, but the Pool of London, a section of the river by Shad Thames, is still deep enough for large ships to visit.
Location and Context
Shad Thames & St. Saviour's Dock is located at the southern end of Tower Bridge in London.
The area has been a major port and centre for trade since the 17th century.
London's status as a global empire capital led to its growth as a major port, but this also led to its decline in the late 20th century with the rise of container shipping.
Much of the historical infrastructure remains in the Shad Thames area, giving visitors a glimpse into Dickensian London.
This area is where Charles Dickens set parts of his novel Oliver Twist, including Bill Sikes' den and the site of his death.
Shad Thames, London
Shad Thames, London, is a unique area that offers a glimpse into the city's rich history.
Located at the southern end of Tower Bridge, this area is home to the remaining historical infrastructure of London's past.
Much of the historical infrastructure in Shad Thames still remains, allowing visitors to experience what life was like in Dickensian London.
Parts of Charles Dickens' novel Oliver Twist were set in Shad Thames and the St. Saviour's Dock area, including Bill Sikes' den and the site of his death.
Site: (1 Memorial)
St Saviour's Dock is a notable location with a single memorial. The memorial is located in a dock that's part of the Pool of London Partnership.
The memorial is easily identifiable due to its oversized plaque on a substantial stand, which resembles a mooring post.
Thoughts and Reflections
As I reflect on St Saviour's Dock, I'm struck by its rich history dating back to the 1860s.
The dock was originally a timber wharf, serving the nearby timber yards and warehouses.
It's amazing to think that this dock played a significant role in the development of the timber trade in the area.
The dock's location allowed it to be a key hub for the transportation of timber and other goods.
I've always been fascinated by the way the dock's architecture reflects its industrial past, with its exposed brick and timber beams.
The dock's industrial heritage is a testament to the hard work and determination of the people who built and worked here.
In its heyday, the dock was a bustling hub of activity, with ships and boats coming and going at all hours.
Sources
- https://alondoninheritance.com/rivers-and-streams/st-saviours-dock/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Saviour%27s_Dock
- https://www.londonremembers.com/memorials/st-saviour-s-dock
- https://www.britain-visitor.com/london/shad-thames-st-saviours-dock
- https://www.se1.news/2021-st-saviours-dock-footbridge-closure/
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