Canary Wharf and Docklands through the ages

A look at Canary Wharf and Docklands

Throughout the 19th century and up until 1939, Canary Wharf formed an active component of West India Docks. Through the ages, they held the status of one of the busiest docks in the world.

Many will say that he was right. It is very interesting to witness how this once privately-owned area expands daily. Some people will still remember the high, unbreachable walls surrounding the docks. However, following the LDDC’s plan, Canary Wharf opened its gates to the public for the first time since 1800 and progressed to become the ‘suit and tie’ financial capital it is now.

With global companies like Barclays, Reuters, Citibank and HSBC moving their head offices onto Canada Square, the area provides jobs for nearly as many people as the old docks once did. It’s no surprise that it claims and remains to be one of the biggest centres of employment in the UK.

The extension of the Jubilee Line, Docklands Light Rail (DLR), the Limehouse Link road and the soon-to-be-opened Crossrail Elizabeth Line make connecting with the rest of the city much easier and quicker. An international airport services Canary Wharf, nearby London City Airport, in Royal Docks, E16, and offers flights to over 30 destinations.

Over the past three decades, the skyline of Canary Wharf has transformed beyond recognition, with continual changes on the horizon. Aiming to bring thousands of new residents and workers to the area, 30 new high-rise buildings are set to be constructed in Wood Wharf as an eastern extension before 2023.

It might be difficult to believe, but Canary Wharf is one of the greenest places in London, with plenty of parks and gardens, crowned with an impressive Jubilee Park built on the roof of an underground station. During summer, the Canary Wharf Summer Screens are set up for anyone wishing to enjoy the outdoors while watching films, entertainment or current events like the World Cup or Tour de France. etc. Three high-profile shopping malls for a Docklands shopping spree exist Canada Place, Cabot Place and Jubilee Place.

For anyone who wonders if there is anything left of the past, the best place to find the answer to this question is the Museum of London Docklands. Based in an old warehouse, the museum is open seven days a week. It holds ten permanent galleries, including Victorian reconstruction 'Sailortown' and others related to the history of the Docklands area, e.g. Docklands at War.

For an even closer look at how the area used to look, visit Derelict London and sign up for one of their guided walking tours, 'The Lost London Docks', a walking tour of the Isle of Dogs area in E14. Properties available for sale often move very quickly, and our Canary Wharf & Docklands is perfectly located to manage this and the surrounding areas. We've amassed an impressive track record and have successfully sold many properties in Canary Wharf and Docklands.

If Canary Wharf living is appealing, why not also investigate neighbouring areas by reading our Royal Docks E16 Area Guide, Limehouse E14 Area Guide, Wapping E1W Area Guide, and South of the River Thames are Greenwich SE10 Area Guide, Deptford SE8 Area Guide, Surrey Quays SE16 Area Guide, Rotherhithe SE16 Area Guide, Canada Water SE16 Area Guide and the award-winning Bermondsey area.