“84lbs of coal gone missing.” Imagine the scene at New Crane Wharf.
Welcome to New Crane Wharf. It stands as a testament to London’s rich maritime history. Today we will unravel some of its past. New Crane Wharf is more than just an apartment building. It is a place steeped in history, whispering tales of trade, tragedy, and resilience.
Let’s step back in time. Picture the year 1682. New Crane Stairs, adjacent to the wharf, appears on Morgan’s map of London. The name “New” suggests an older set of stairs existed. Perhaps, a new crane was installed nearby. This made the location worthy of note.
Fast forward to August 4th, 1758. A local newspaper reports the birth of triplets to the wife of John Newcomb. He was a waterman from New Crane Stairs. This was considered newsworthy. Multiple births were rare in those times.
Five years later, disaster struck. A fire erupted at New Crane Stairs in July 1763. It raged for four hours consuming houses and warehouses. The destruction stretched from New Crane Stairs to King James’s Stairs. About 170 houses were destroyed. Around 1500 people were left homeless. The Mary Gally, a ship ready for the West-India trade, was also consumed by the flames. The fire started in a small-beer brewery. It quickly spread to the Ship Alehouse. The narrow streets hampered firefighting efforts.
The Sun Fire Office paid out £40,000 to those who suffered losses. This gives an idea of the scale of the damage.
In 1911, a tragic event unfolded at New Crane Stairs. James Rick, a meat porter, attempted suicide by jumping into the Thames. He was charged with attempting to commit suicide. This highlights the lack of care for those struggling with mental health issues.
An article from 1832 tells another story. Hugh Elliot, a seaman, assaulted a young boy at New Crane Stairs. The boy was waiting for his captain. He was “almost perished with cold”. It was common for apprentices to wait in the cold while their captains were in pubs. Some even froze to death.
Maps from 1894 show New Crane Stairs with a causeway extending into the river. There was also a Commercial Gas Company’s Works nearby. By 1948, the gasworks were disused. Coal for the gasworks was often stolen. In 1920, two boys were caught stealing 84lbs of coal. They were given “good advice”. They were bound over to be of good behaviour.
The Anchor and Hope pub stood near New Crane Stairs. It was a landmark in the area. In 1889, a large carp was caught in the Thames. It was displayed at the pub. Pigeon racing was popular. The pub represented the Anchor and Hope in races. It even won a prize in 1883. The Anchor and Hope pub was also a meeting point. In 1806, coaches transported voters to the election at Brentford.
The Anchor and Hope pub burned down in 1904. The fire destroyed the pub. It may have marked the end of an era.
In 1873, Mr. Saxby Munns campaigned for better lighting at New Crane Stairs. He had been trying for five years. He wanted to prevent accidents. He noted the stairs were dangerous in the dark.
Today, New Crane Wharf stands as a reminder. It reminds us of the past. The stories of those who lived and worked here echo through time. New Crane Wharf and its surrounding area have witnessed births, fires, thefts, and tragedies.