Yesterday I was honoured by embarking on our newest Beyond the Map London Self Guided Walk. Created by Founders Rob and Ginny, I was invited to join on their latest quest to create yet another intriguing London adventure entitled ‘A Seafaring Nation’, which clearly we were and to many we still are! Rule Britannia I say.
Whilst I and only a few others for now have had this pleasure, I believe it will be soon become one of our most popular Walks. Why? Because this riverside passage from London Bridge to Rotherhithe is rarely trodden and yet is steeped in history, and we would love to share that with you to enjoy as much as we have putting and testing these self-guided London walking tours.
You have London’s first Dock in 1799 and earlier than that Edward III and his 14th century Manor House, parts of which is still visible, to the start of the British Empire and those pilgrims setting sail on the Mayflower in 1620. One’s imagination can and does run wild just thinking about these remarkable places hundreds of years ago.
Britain began its seafaring journey when the English Navy began to develop during the 12th and 13th centuries, King John having a fleet of 500 sails. In the mid 14th century Edward III’s navy had 712 ships, however it is obvious this tradition began much earlier with our Viking ancestors.
Vikings and their long boats which not only surfed the waves, but also our rivers, enabled them to successfully penetrate inland cities such as York and even make their way through mainland Europe to get to the Mediterranean.
Britain is a maritime nation. Maritime industries have shaped our past as well as our future, are an engine for growth, and are a vibrant, dynamic element of our economy.
This sector generates up to £14 billion a year, and has demonstrated steady growth despite challenges facing businesses here and abroad. A large percentage – 95 percent – of goods by volume entering and leaving this country is handled by our ports, and the sector provides employment for around a quarter of a million people in Britain today.
When were the London Docks built?