Skip to content

St Katharine Docks

Introduction

St Katharine Dock is one of London's most historic docklands developments. Located in central London, it spans across several acres of waterfront land and offers stunning views of the Thames River. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of St Katharine Dock, its history, key facts, historical context, significant contributions, and notable attractions.

Key Facts

  • Name Origin: The name "St Katharine" was given by Queen Elizabeth I in 1567, named after Saint Katherine (also known as Katherine of Alexandria), who is the patron saint of sailors.
  • History: St Katharine Dock has a long history dating back to 1271 when it was first built by King Henry III to serve as a hub for London's maritime trade.
  • Expansion and Development: Over time, the dock underwent several expansions and developments, including the construction of warehouses, offices, and residential units.
  • Closure and Redevelopment: In 1979, St Katharine Dock was closed due to poor conditions and high maintenance costs. Since then, it has undergone significant redevelopment efforts.

Historical Context

St Katharine Dock played a crucial role in London's maritime history during the 18th and 19th centuries. The dock served as a major hub for trade and commerce, with ships from all over Europe coming to load cargo. During World War II, St Katharine Dock was used as a military base.

Significant Contributions

  • Industrial Heritage: St Katharine Dock has significant industrial heritage, including the construction of warehouses, offices, and factories that have been converted into residential units.
  • Transportation Hub: The dock is also an important transportation hub, with regular ferries to Greenwich Park and other nearby locations.
  • Cultural Significance: St Katharine Dock has played a significant role in London's cultural heritage, hosting numerous events and exhibitions over the years.

Notable Attractions

Buildings and Landmarks

  • The iconic St Katharine Docks Hotel is a Grade II listed building that offers stunning views of the Thames River.
  • The Guildhall, a historic building dating back to 1271, serves as the headquarters for London's City of London Corporation.
  • The St Katharine Dock Marina, an open-air shopping and dining area, hosts various events and festivals throughout the year.

Public Spaces

  • St Katharine Docks Park: A small but picturesque park located within

Metadata:

  • Model: llama-3.2-1b-instruct
  • Generation time: 2024-11-02 10:00:37
  • Keywords: St Katharine Docks, wiki, history, attractions, facts
  • URL: https://worldbestplaces.com/places/st_katharine_docks