Wapping is in the borough of Tower Hamlets on the north bank of the River Thames.
Wapping, because of its closeness to the river, has for hundreds of years been associated with sailors, shipbuilders and instrument makers, in fact anything to do with boats.
Wapping was also where the Execution Dock was situated. This was where pirates and the like were hanged from the gibbet built by the low water mark. The bodies were left to hang until the tide had covered them three times.
The area was to change when the docks were built in the 19th century along what was the High Street. Large warehouses were built along the riverfront but the population dropped by 60% when houses were pulled down to build the docks.
When the docks closed the area was left and allowed to become derelict until the 1980’s.
There are old ‘stairs’ that lead to the riverside and one of London’s most famous old public houses is situated here, the Prospect of Whitby. A replica of the Execution Dock gibbet is outside the pub, perhaps to warn ‘nuisance drinkers’! The area was very rough and back in the 60’s young boys would offer to look after people’s cars, whilst the owners were in the pub, for a fee. It was a ‘minder’ service, one well worth indulging in!!! ‘Damage’ may just have occurred if not.
These ‘stairs’ also allow members of the public access to a litter zone, where flotsam of various ages can often be picked up and is favoured place of amateur archaeologists and treasure hunters.
There are plenty of properties available for rent in Wapping at costs of approximately £190 to £335pw for a l bed flat and £330 to £850pw for a 2 bed flat.
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