St Katherines Dock
St Katherines Dock
St Katharine Docks, named after the 12th-century St Katharine’s Hospital, underwent significant redevelopment in 1827. Designed by engineer Thomas Telford, the project saw 1,250 homes demolished and thousands of residents displaced to make way for two linked basins (East and West), built with warehouses right on the quaysides for easy unloading. Opened in 1828, the docks were technologically advanced but struggled commercially due to their small size.
By the mid-1900s, the docks had lost relevance, were damaged during WWII, and eventually closed to commercial traffic in 1968. Redevelopment in the 1970s saw the area transformed into modern office spaces, housing, and a marina. The Tower Hotel and World Trade Centre were part of this wave of construction.
Today, St Katharine Docks is a vibrant marina surrounded by offices, restaurants, and residential properties, with landmarks like the Dickens Inn pub. Once a key port, it’s now a popular leisure spot, still bustling with boats and lined with modern buildings while retaining nods to its rich history. The Dutch East Indiaman Amsterdam anchor is displayed at the entrance, adding a historical touch to the marina’s contemporary charm.