London Docks In The 1960s

By Mark Lee Inman

The 1960s was 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. Cargo handling methods were unchanged. Barges were brought in to deliver or collect cargoes and 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 in the stretch from Tower Bridge right down to Tilbury.

Each picture is supported by details of the vessel’s date of build, gross tonnage and ownership followed by a thumb nail note of any previous history, subsequent history or claim to fame.

This is an interesting snapshot of the great London Docks at their peak. Unfortunately, several of the photographs are not of the highest quality, but I would recommend this book to our readers.

Published by:

Amberley Publications,