London Docks in the 1960S

Synopsis

The 1960s were the last decade of what might be called the traditional London docks scene. Ships could still be seen in the Pool, upstream of Tower Bridge; one could see lines of ships berth at the Royal Docks. Famous shipping companies, some like P&O dating back over a hundred years, were represented, and cargo-handling methods were unchanged. Barges were brought in to deliver or collect cargoes, while veterans of the war years and possibly earlier could still be seen. It was still possible to see passenger ships in the Royal Docks. As the new ships appeared they were a little bigger and a little faster, but otherwise little different from their predecessors of an earlier generation. All this is captured through Mark Lee Inman's historic and rare images, taking in the stretch from Tower Bridge right down to Tilbury. The photography is supported by a wealth of available technical detail, including the vessel's date of build, gross tonnage and ownership, along with a comprehensive summary of its history and any claims to fame.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Roar of the River

* Summary: Introduces the bustling world of the London Docks in the 1960s, with its towering cranes, teeming workers, and roaring river.
* Example: "The River Thames roared beneath the bridges, a mighty artery of commerce, carrying everything from tea to timber, from oranges to oil."

Chapter 2: The Men Who Built the Docks

* Summary: Chronicles the history of the docks, from their humble beginnings in the Middle Ages to their role as a major hub of the British Empire.
* Example: "In 1558, Queen Elizabeth I granted a charter to the City of London to build a new dock on the north bank of the river, and so began the story of the London Docks."

Chapter 3: The Workers

* Summary: Explores the lives and experiences of the dockworkers, from the skilled crane drivers to the grueling laborers.
* Example: "Harry Jones, a strapping dockworker, had spent his entire life hauling cargo on the quays. His weathered face and strong hands told the story of a man who had earned his keep through hard work."

Chapter 4: The Ships

* Summary: Describes the diverse range of ships that frequented the docks, from massive passenger liners to small cargo vessels.
* Example: "The colossal Queen Mary, with its four chimneys and gleaming white hull, was a regular sight at the docks, carrying thousands of passengers on their journeys to and from America."

Chapter 5: The Cargo

* Summary: Examines the vast array of goods that passed through the docks, including exotic spices, rare metals, and vital necessities.
* Example: "Beneath the watchful eyes of customs officials, bales of cotton from India, tea chests from China, and mahogany logs from Africa were unloaded onto the quays."

Chapter 6: The Community

* Summary: Portrays the vibrant community that grew around the docks, with its pubs, shops, and close-knit families.
* Example: "The East End of London, where the docks were located, was a bustling hub of activity, filled with a diverse mix of cultures and languages."

Chapter 7: The End of an Era

* Summary: Traces the decline of the London Docks in the late 20th century, as containerization and globalization transformed the shipping industry.
* Example: "As the last ships departed from the docks, a sense of nostalgia washed over the workers who had spent their lives there. The roar of the river faded into a distant memory, leaving behind a legacy that would never be forgotten."