Historic Vessels, Trinity Buoy Wharf

'Diana' built in 1890.

Not only is Trinity Buoy Wharf home to historic buildings and home to various artists and sculptures, but it also home to some historic vessels. These vessels are of national importance, so it is important that they are preserved.

DIANA

'Diana' is a rivetted steel/wrought-iron Thames Lighter built in 1890 by unknown London builders. She is typical of many hundreds of 'barges' used on the River Thames, canals, tributaries, docks and the  Port of London for the transport of cargo, aggregates and supplies between wharves, warehouses and ships.

Usually towed singly or in large groups by river or dock tugs, they were also hand rowed by one man going with the tide, this is known as ‘barge driving’ and is still celebrated in the annual Thames Barge Driving Match.

'Knocker White' built in 1924.

KNOCKER WHITE

'Knocker White' is a Dutch-built tugboat, but was originally the steam tug 'Cairnrock'. She was built by T.Van Duijvendijk’s yard at Lekkerkek near Rotterdam, for Harrisons (London) Lighterage Limited, in 1924. The steam engine came from Crabtree & Co. while the boiler came from Blair & Co. Limited They were fitted at Fellow’s & Co. Limited’s dry dock, Great Yarmouth. 

In the early years of the vessel’s history, the 'Cairnrock' was used to tow Harrisons’ floating steam-powered coal elevator 'Wotan' around the lower reaches of the River Thames. The tug was designed for general towage work and had the ability to 'drop-down' her funnel for up-river work, that required passing under the bridges.

'Knocker White' built in 1924.

In 1960, the tug was acquired by Alfred White and then passed to W E White and Sons (Towage) Limited, in 1962. It was at this time that the tug’s name was changed and the original engine and boiler removed. Two 'Petters' marine diesel engines were fitted with their associated fuel tanks. Alterations were also made to the wheelhouse, with an external forward companionway, that provided separate access to the main cabin. The original funnel was replaced by another drop-down funnel, made in around 1943, which was removed from the steam tug 'Pinklake'.

She is now preserved as a museum ship.

'Lightship LV95', built in 1939.

Walking with Keilyn: West India Docks to East India Docks... and beyond

Sunday April 13, 2025.

Another Sunday and another Walk with Keilyn.

We began our day with a walk to Watford Metropolitan station, with food, snacks and drinks all packed in my rucksack. We boarded the train and headed off towards London. We switched to a Jubilee line train, at Finchley Road, and continued our journey to Canary Wharf.

On exiting Canary Wharf station we began our walk by heading through Jubilee Park, checking out some of the Canary Wharf Public Art, and Easter Eggs, on our way to Wood Wharf.

Approaching Wood Wharf we could easily spot 'Whale on the Wharf (Skyscraper)', the latest piece to join the Canary Wharf Public Art trail. Standing at four-storeys, and made of 5 tonnes of recycled plastic, the whale towered over the crowds that come to see it. 

From here we continued eastward, along Branran Street and onto Lovegrove Walk, before we joined Preston's Road. From here we walked along Coldharbour, passing 'The Gun' public house and then Nelson House, before rejoining Preston's Road.

We then walked around, the now sealed, Blackwall Basin Entrance Lock, before rejoining the Thames Path North East Extension.

A compass, in the ground, was bisected by the Prime Meridian Line, so Keilyn could stand on both east and west of the line. 

We then continued along the path until we reached Virginia Quay and the Virginia Quay Settlers Monument.

With time getting on we stopped to eat our lunch, at East India Quay, enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the River Thames and the view across to the MillenniuM Dome.

'SS Robin', Historic Vessel

Awaiting a permanent home.

The 'SS Robin' is the world's only surviving complete Victorian steamship.

Along with her sister ship, 'SS Rook', 'SS Robin' was built at Orchard House Yard, in 1889, launching in September 1890. 

Orchard House Yards, and much of the banks of the River Thames, were considered the world centre for shipbuilding, at the time, with the proud tradition going back many hundreds of years. This made London a global trading empire, whilst also supplying the bulk of ships for the Royal and Merchant Navies.

One of the largest yards in the country, The Thames Iron Works, would build some of the biggest ships, either side of the River Lea, at Bow Creek.

By 1890, however, the northeast coast of England and shipbuilders in Scotland had become the leading shipbuilders, with their lower overheads, resulting in The Thames Iron Works closing in 1912.

Robin and Rook.

Robert Thomson, a ship broker and owner, ordered both ships constructed on slipways and built by Ditchburn & Mare, in 1845. Ditchburn & Mare was later owned by The Thames Iron Works and Ship Building Company, who then leased the yard to shipwright William Jolly, a Thames barge builder. 

He started construction before selling the business shortly after to Mackenzie, McAlpine and Company. Both builders were inexperienced, ill equipped and struggled to complete the orders to a standard high enough to satisfy Lloyd’s. 

Robert Thompson took over the work himself, eventually, paying a naval architect superintendent to complete the ships on his behalf. The ships were complete to Lloyd’s highest class of 100A1. 

'Robin' and 'Rook' were to be the last ships built at the yard, which closed immediately after.

Following their launch they went to the East India Docks, which were nearby, for final fitting out. 'Robin' was later towed to Dundee where her boiler, triple expansion engine and ancillary machinery were installed, by Gourlay Brothers & Company Limited. 

Although rigged as an auxiliary three-masted schooner she was designed to carry sails, should they be needed. 

SS Robin and Lightship 93, at the Royal Docks.

Maiden Voyage.

Having been sold into the service of Arthur C. Ponsonby & Company of Newport, South Wales, her first voyage was from Liverpool to Bayonne, France, in 1890. Her crew consisted of twelve men.

Her next voyage began in Swansea, in 1891, and saw her visit Rouen, the Mersey, Plymouth, Deauville, Guernsey, London, Rochester, Newport, Bristol, Swansea, Cherbourg, and back again to the Thames. This would be her trading route for the following years, carrying bulk cargoes of china clay, coal, grain, iron ore, railway rail and scrap steel, as well as general cargoes of baled and casked goods. 

Walking with Keilyn: Severndroog Castle to Woolwich... and beyond

Royal Victoria Docks from Connaught Bridge.

Sunday June 30, 2024.

It was a slightly overcast morning as Keilyn and I hopped into a taxi and headed to Watford underground station, to start another epic walk.

Metropolitan line to Finchley Road, then Jubilee line to North Greenwich and finally a 486 bus towards Bexleyheath, grabbing the front seats on the top deck, although our walk would start form Shooter's Hill.

As soon as we boarded the bus the rain, which had been threatening all morning, finally made an appearance, but it didn't dampen our spirits, as the bus meandered its way towards Shooter's Hill. Thankfully, as we alighted from the bus, the rain stopped and slowly the clouds began to lift, as we made the short walk to Castle Woods and our first stop of the day... Severndroog Castle.

Severndroog Castle.

Now, this is not really a castle, but a folly or memorial, and it is unique in design, being three-sided. It is an 18th century Gothic Tower, with a viewing platform on its roof, which, on a clear day, allows you to look out across London to the edges of the six counties that surround her (seven for those who still include Middlesex).

Due to staffing and technical issues the Castle was late opening, but we could still avail ourselves the use of the Tea Room, which we promptly did. 

Suitably refreshed we were informed that the Tower was now open. So, with Keilyn leading the way, we made our way up the spiral staircase and found ourselves in the Lady James Room, where a small shop was set out, with information boards and a model of the Folly. It was here that we purchased our tickets for the viewing platform. Thankfully I had some cash on me, as the card machine was still causing issues for the volunteers.

This model is actually a money box.

We then headed up to the next floor and the William James Room, which is now a community, learning and exhibition space. 

Heading up to the Viewing Platform.

Then it was up to the roof, where we discovered that, although it was still overcast, the views were incredible. A volunteer handed us both a pair of binoculars and began pointing out various points of interest, related to the James family, along with other landmarks. 

As the viewing platform is 151 metres (496 feet) above sea level, you can see out over the tree canopy of Castle Wood and Oxleas Woodlands, which is one of the last remaining ancient woodlands in London, Parakeets flew by, below us, while a Woodpecker could heard somewhere in the trees ahead of us, too. We took our time checking out the view, as with every passing minute the clouds lifted a little more, until we could see Battersea Power Station, the mast at Crystal Palace and so much more.

Slightly overcast, but still an incredible view.

Once we had seen all that we could we thanked the volunteer and made our way back into the folly, stopping to sign the visitor's book and peruse the shop, before heading back out into Castle Woods, ready to begin our walk proper.

The Old Royal Military Academy.

Reaching Shooter's Hill we followed the road westward, before turning north onto South Circular Road, heading towards Woolwich. We passed the old Royal Military Academy, which has now been turned into private apartments, before we reached our second place of interest... St George's Garrison Church.

The exterior of St George's Garrison Church.

This was another place that I had wanted to visit for quite a while. But, like Severndroog Castle, it is only open on Sundays. 

The ruins and the memorial gardens.

Making our way through the gates we made our way to what is left of the church, with its canopy protecting the mosaics and brickwork from the elements. As I studied the mosaic and the Victoria Cross Memorial, Keilyn took herself off to look at the Memorial Gardens. 

St George's Garrison Church Memorial Gardens.

I soon joined her, before we started talking with a volunteer who explained what and how the Trust worked and their plans for the future. There is a lot going on with this historic ruin, that will preserve it for future generations, and I cannot wait to go back and see how it all turns out.

St George's Garrison Church Altar and Mosaics.

On leaving the ruin we continued towards Woolwich High Street, where we bought lunch and rested, as the sun had now burnt through the clouds, raising the temperature, allowing us to remove our jackets.

Sunborn London

Floating Hotel on the Royal Docks.

The Royal Docks, which have gone through an amazing regeneration, are home to, among other things, the ExCeL London exhibition centre, London City Airport, The Crystal, plus countless bars, restaurants and hotels.

There is, however, one hotel which is moored in the Royal Victoria Dock: The Sunborn London Yacht Hotel.

Sunborn at night.

I am hoping to pay a visit to this beautiful looking yacht, next year, even it is just for afternoon tea, or just a few drinks in the bar, one evening.

'Dockers' by Les Johnson

Holland, Ringwood and Tibbs.

Sunday November 1, 2015.

It was a particularly foggy Sunday November morning, in the Unfinished City, as I strolled around the old Royal Docks. Still, this helped to take some dramatic and atmospheric shots, as the area was pretty much deserted. 

This image of The Dockers, with the cranes disappearing into the fog, became one of my favourite shots of the morning.

Gallery

Millennium Mills

Reflections on the Past.

Sunday November 1, 2015.

My first visit to London's Docklands was back in 1988. Saturday October 8, to be precise, to see Jean-Michel Jarre's Destination: Docklands concert. Jarre, his orchestra and choirs were situated on a 1,000 ton floating platform, while the freshly painted Millennium Mills acted as a screen for the various images and lasers.

The rear of Millennium Mills

The grandstands, where the 200,000 spectators sat, have now been replaced with the ExCeL Centre, while the mills themselves are still awaiting a much needed makeover.

Back on the evening of October 8, 1988, the weather had been windy with a slight hint of rain in the air. Sunday night's show would be downright water-logged. The day I took this photograph, however, it was decidedly foggy, which made the derelict buildings seem even more forgotten by time.

Crystal (City Hall 2022-)

London's most sustainable building.

Saturday June 27, 2015.

My annual September walk, through the Unfinished City, saw me traverse the capital from the Royal Docks through to Whitechapel, via the Thames Path. 

Travelling above the River Thames, via the Emirates Air Line, gives you a great perspective on a truly unique building, named The Crystal.

London Cable Car

Reaching for the Sky.

Saturday October 13, 2012.

I absolutely love travelling across the River Thames, via the London Dangleway, even though it is simpler, and cheaper, to stay on the Jubilee Line and travel below the River Thames.

Sunset from the Dangleway.

The reason for this is the novelty, which still hasn't worn off after countless flights, and the views which are unique. On a clear day you can see The Thames Barrier, Canary Wharf, The Shard, the Olympic Park, the Old Royal Naval College and, if you get your timing right, some spectacular sunsets.

Descending into the London Fog.