Welcome To St Katharine Docks And Its Unique History.
While you visit today's unique Thames Marina, whether by boat from the river, or from the busy streets nearby, this website should help you appreciate what is on display. It's hoped this will help to maximize your enjoyment, and increase the pleasure of your experience. If sightseeing time is limited, you could go straight to 'Today's Treasures Of St Katharine's' by scrolling down to the next but one section.
It's history will soon be added, describing from the tenth century Knighten Gild, then Queen Matilda overseeing the construction of the Royal Foundation of St Katharine and how it grew and thrived. Eventually came destruction and the advent of the world famous Telford Docks, its success, then 20th century demise, followed by dereliction. Fortunately, along came Taylor Woodrow, and the prestigious new Yacht Haven 'ROSE FROM THE ASHES,' which lead to what is now St Katharine Docks Marina that we love and cherish today.
Our Location On The Thames In Central London
We are here in the shadow of Tower Bridge, on the North side of the River Thames. The World famous Tower of London is our next door neighbour Westward, with the City of London Northwards, and access to the rest of Wapping to the East.
Modern boats to and fro all year round, offering safe moorings, and a fascinating tourist attraction, as well as a unique view from all the modern offices and cafes which surround the Docks.
1. Girl With A Dolphin (1973): Statue and Fountain by David Wynne, The Famous Sculptor. Ths work is 'SISTER' to 'Boy With A Dolphin' (1974) in Cheyne Walk, Chelsea.
2. Seat: Commemorating Peter Drew, for his contribution to the London Walkway. The inscription reads, ‘Peter Drew, OBE (1927 to 2007) For His Contribution To The London Walk Way'.
He was also responsible for building what is now today's unique Thames Marina, and is a major influence towards improving our present East London history.
3. ‘Timepiece’: Sundial Sculpture, (1973). Wendy Taylor, funded by Strand Hotels Ltd.
4. Canon: Guarding the entrance to the Docks (late seventeenth, early eighteenth century).
5. Dockmaster’s House (1828): Built by Thomas Telford and architect Philip Hardwick.
6. King William III Plaque (1899): Unveiled in the presence of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, to commemorate three hundred years of Anglo-Dutch naval friendship.
7. Bollard: Proudly shows St Katharine, with halo, bible, sword, wheel and nearby Tower. They are all around the Docks.
8. Here The Sea Shells: To remember the huge tonnage of marine shells traded in the Docks. This sculpture is part of a collection by Paula Haughney, sculptor (1997 to 1999). These were commissioned originally to provide seating; made from original marble used in the early Docks and to symbolize the different cargoes which came into St Katharine Docks.
9. Hydraulic Hoist:These were used to load and unload the vessels in the Docks.
10. Docks Theme Enamel Panels: Cloisters Walk: These panels vividly display aspects of work in the old Docks. Artist Dale Devereux Barker created this work in vitreous enamel, with the help of school children from four nearby schools: St Pauls Way Community School, Stepney and St Saviour’s and St Olave’s School, Southwark. This work was completed in 2000.
11. Site of The Royal Hospital of St Katharine by the Tower of London: 1148 to 1825. Prior to the recent Starbucks and others, the building was constructed as a chapel, called The Coronarium, to celebrate the Silver Jubilee and opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.
12. Crystal Crown (1977): Hand carved by Arthur Fleischmann on this site. It is the largest block of acrylic in the world and originally stood at the entrance to the Coronarium (see 11 above)
13. Elephants (1973): Artist Peter Drew (also the ‘architect’ of today’s splendid Marina). Made of fiberglass, representing the ivory which was such an important commodity for the Docks, hence the name of one of the converted warehouses, Ivory House.
14. Marine Shells (1997 to 1999): By Paula Haughney, sculptor (see also ‘8’). Situated on each side of the entrance to Ivory House.
This and her other symbolic sculptures around the Marina are an important part of the visitor attractions here.
15. Echoed Aromas (1997 to 1999): By Paula Haughney, sculptor (see also ‘8’). Sofa-like structure, made with five blocks, representing vanilla, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon.
16. Telford’s Footbridge (1828): Memorial to Thomas Telford, engineer (1757-1834), who built St Katharine Docks. The bridge was in use until 1994. Our Expertise
17. Anchor: SS Amsterdam. Salvaged from the ill-fated East India merchantman, which was built in the 1740s and sank on its maiden voyage, west of Hastings. A replica of the ship is at the Royal Maritime Museum.
18: To The Sea (1997 to 1999): By Paula Haughney, sculptor (see ‘8’). Showing a turtle to represent the large numbers of turtle and tortoise shells that were imported and used for making combs, spectacle cases and fashion accessories.
19. Exotic Birds (1997 to 1999): By Paula Haughney, sculptor (see ‘8’). Showing a carved bird’s wing. Huge numbers of feathers were needed for ladies’ hats and fans, including ostrich, peacock and osprey.
20. Oriental Carpet (1997 to 1999): By Paula Haughney, sculptor (see ‘8’). Representing carpets imported mainly from India, Persia and Turkey. Our Projects
MV HAVENGORE
Specially commissioned by the Port of London Authority in 1954 to act both as its flagship and principal survey vessel, Havengore was constructed to the highest standards of British craftsmanship using English oak and teak. Completely restored between 1997 and 2008, this distinguished vessel has now resumed her former role and continues to take part in ceremonial occasions and the hosting of visiting dignitaries.
Havengore’s proudest moment so far came in 1965 when, watched live by a worldwide audience of 350 million, she took centre stage as she carried Sir Winston Churchill on his final journey by water along the Thames. “And so Havengore sails into London history – not even the Golden Hind has borne so great a man.” said Richard Dimbleby, BBC Lead Commentator, 30th January 1965.
On 17th May 2012 it was announced that the Havengore had been selected to carry members of the royal family as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, in a flotilla of over a thousand vessels during the River Thames pageant on 3rd June 2012. She is one of the main visitor attractions, particularly with older people.
Her Majesty's Rowbarge Gloriana
Our History
Her Majesty the Queen named the Royal Rowbarge Gloriana as a lasting legacy to mark Her Diamond Jubilee. Her Majesty has asked that Gloriana be retained by Lord Sterling and the Maritime Heritage Trust with assistance from Thames Alive and has approved the principle that the boat will be used to better promote the Thames. This can be achieved through providing opportunities for Royal-supported charities, and others, to play their part in occasions and celebrations upon the Thames, with a particular emphasis on events involving young people.
She plays a major role in both Thames and London history.
How wonderful to see the Gloriana, moored here at her permanent home when not being used elsewhere. The million pound rowbarge, painstakingly hand built over more than four years by sixty craftsmen, was certainly the main visitor attraction in the recent Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, leading more than 1,000 boats to honour the occasion. The first royal barge to be built in 100 years, Gloriana was powered on the day by eighteen oarsmen, led by Britain’s greatest Olympian, Steve Redgrave.