The Shipwrights Arms

Step right up to The Shipwrights Arms, a pub with a history so rich it’s practically overflowing. Built in the mid-late 19th century, this Grade II listed establishment stands proudly on Tooley Street. This iconic, historic pub was built in the mid-late 19th century, as you can see by its classic brick architecture. Its name, dating back to the 16th century, evokes a time when London was a bustling hub of shipbuilding. The Shipwrights Arms isn’t just a pub; it’s a window to the past. Before the pub was built, there was a company of “foreign” shipwrights, based in Rotherhithe. They were rivals to the Free Shipwrights of London. These shipwrights, deemed “foreign” because they hailed from outside the city, were known for their expert craftsmanship and mastery. They petitioned and earned their own charter, granting them the right to build ships, and a coat of arms. That’s the coat of arms in the pub, representing the old company. They used the coat of arms of the foreign shipwrights to show their pride in the skills of the workers. It’s a testament to their ingenuity and dedication to their craft. The Shipwrights Arms is a place where you can step back in time and feel the spirit of those skilled shipwrights. You can almost hear the clang of hammers, the sawing of wood, and the shouts of men working together to build a ship – a ship that would set sail on the Thames and beyond. The pub itself is a treasure trove of history – you can imagine those shipwrights themselves raising a pint here, celebrating a job well done. Today, The Shipwrights Arms is a lively and welcoming pub. It’s a reminder of the importance of skilled trades and the legacy of those who built ships that carried London’s reputation to the far corners of the world. You’ve got to check out The Shipwrights Arms, not just for the great pub grub but for the stories etched into its very walls.