A shiver ran down my spine. Tower Dock. The very name conjures images of clandestine meetings and daring escapes. Right here before us lies a small remnant of a much larger waterway. This seemingly unremarkable inlet played a crucial role in London’s history. Tower Dock isn’t just water. It’s a witness to centuries of drama.
Tower Dock is located immediately west of the Tower of London’s entrance. It was once a much more extensive feature. In fact it was part of the Tower Liberty. This was an area controlled by the Tower of London. Its purpose was simple to prevent attackers from using nearby buildings as cover. The Tower Dock formed part of the outer defenses. The boundaries of this Liberty are still reflected in the modern boundary between the City of London and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
The dock’s origins are shrouded in mystery. Some believe it was a section of the natural Thames shoreline. This section remained after the construction of wharves on either side. The first stage of Tower Wharf to the east was extended around 1276-1324. A fascinating theory suggests Tower Dock was once part of a moat. This moat surrounded the Bulwark a lost feature from around 1480. The Bulwark was the outermost part of the Tower’s western gateway complex. This detail is revealed in a 1623 report. The report described the dock as a surviving piece of this moat. It’s unclear if the moat was wet or dry but it likely connected to the main moat. By 1706 much of the dock had already been filled in with rubbish.
The late 1950s saw further infilling. All but the head of the dock was filled and paved. This was during the construction of Three Quays House. This building has since been demolished and replaced.
Tower Dock’s dramatic history isn’t limited to its physical evolution. It’s deeply entwined with famous figures. One unforgettable story involves Sir Walter Raleigh. In 1617 Raleigh attempted to plunder the Spanish colonial empire. His expedition failed leading to pressure for his arrest and execution. Expecting his capture Raleigh’s wife devised an escape plan. Raleigh disguised himself and went to Tower Dock. A boatman awaited him. The boat was to take him downstream to Tilbury where a ship would be waiting. Alas betrayal struck. A second boat lay in wait. Raleigh was arrested and returned to the Tower.
The small section of Tower Dock we see today represents a fragment of a much grander past. A past that shaped London’s defenses and witnessed the dramatic flight of a historical figure. It stands as a silent testament to the ongoing interplay between nature and human activity in this vibrant city. The water may be gone but the stories remain. This is Tower Dock.