Local Wildlife Site

St Katharine’s Dock lies just across the road from the Tower of London, on the site of the former Hospital of St Katharine. King Stephen’s wife Matilda founded the hospital in the 12th century. It did not occupy the entire site, and houses were built in its precincts. Despite opposition, an act was passed in 1825 to allow construction of the docks here, which opened in 1828. Some 1,250 houses were demolished, together with the hospital, the 12th century church of St Katharine and a brewery. No compensation was provided to the 11,300 inhabitants. The Foundation of St Katharine relocated to Regent’s Park, but after World War II it again moved to its present site in Butcher Row, E14.The docks were designed by Thomas Telford, and their construction provided employment for 2,500 men and took over two years. The excess soil was used as landfill where southern Belgravia was subsequently built. They consist of a large basin leading to two docks and warehousing to hold commodities such as tea, wool, marble and sugar. The entrance to the river was rather narrow, and in fact the docks were never a great success, despite their location so close to the City. They closed in 1968 and were sold to the Greater London Council. Today St Katharine’s Dock is used as a marina, providing moorings for numerous large cruisers and barges.