London Bridge Wharf facts for kids
London Bridge Wharf was a busy place in the City of London, right next to London Bridge. A wharf is like a special dock where ships can load and unload goods or passengers. This wharf was built on the site of an old waterworks, which was a building that helped manage water for the city.
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What Was London Bridge Wharf?
London Bridge Wharf was a key part of London's river life. It was located just east of the northern end of London Bridge. Above it stood the Adelaide Buildings, which were later replaced by a building called Adelaide House in 1925.
Where Was It Built?
The wharf was built on land where the London Bridge Waterworks used to be. These waterworks were taken down in 1832, at the same time as the old London Bridge, known as Old London Bridge, was demolished. This made space for the new wharf.
What Did the Wharf Do?
When it first opened, London Bridge Wharf handled many different types of goods, known as general cargo. It was also a place where passenger steamships would stop. For example, ships from the New Medway Steam Packet Company used the wharf. These ships offered fun "sea cruises" every day along the coasts of North Kent and Essex, giving people a chance to travel by sea.
Changes Over Time
The area around London Bridge Wharf changed a lot over the years.
How Did It Change?
In the 1930s, a nearby wharf called Fresh Wharf took over London Bridge Wharf. Fresh Wharf then built a very tall, ten-storey warehouse next to Adelaide House in 1953. This new warehouse was huge and helped store even more goods coming into London.
What Is There Now?
However, the warehouse didn't last very long. Only 20 years later, in the 1970s, it was pulled down. The area was then rebuilt with new office buildings. Today, Adelaide House is still standing. The land where London Bridge Wharf once stood is now open to the public. It is part of the Thames Path, a walking route along the River Thames. This means you can walk where ships once docked!
