Alexis Underwood, Spring 2024
The LDDC supported the Development of the Docklands. There were several attempts to develop the Docklands that failed, as there were several protests from the Association of Island Communities. For example, U.S. developer G. Ware Travelstead attempted to develop the Docklands in 1985 but was met with so much opposition that the project could not continue. It was finally completed by the Museum of London (MoL), funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLH fund). This resulted in an abandoned slave sugar mill turning into a green space.
Slavery has existed in London since the Trade expansion in 1600. It is a widely held position that slave-produced sugar was more important than any other British the buildup to industrialization, but sugar cultivation and the slave trade were not large nor did they have growth-inducing ries with the rest of the British economy (Elitis & Engerman, 2000). This resulted in the abandoning of the Docklands sugar mill warehouses that were run by slave labor in the early 1800s. Ships sailed past the Docklands every day on their way upriver. London was the world’s largest port and a growing center for trade in high-value goods. This includes scientific instruments, whale oil, and luxury cloth. To unload their cargo, the ships dock in one of the small legal quays near the Tower of London. So that customs officials could collect taxes, Queen Elizabeth ordered all goods to come and go via these legal quays. Space in the quays was limited and too many goods were being stolen, so in 200 years, bigger more secure enclosed docks were built in the Museum of London, Docklands. When the Docklands was in use as a warehouse, this space was often piled high with valuable cargo. Men known as dock laborers unloaded ships, worked on quaysides and trucked sacks and barrels to warehouses. Most items coming into the warehouse had to be weighed and sampled. Customs and Excise Officers, dock managers, and merchants all needed to know the quantity and quality of cargo received. Everything was strictly controlled to guard against theft, fraud, and cargo being misplaced (The Museum of London Archaeological Archive, 2022).
In January 1974 the Docklands Joint Committee, abbreviated DJC, was established to consult with the public on a strategic plan for the Docklands. The Docks closed in 1967, which resulted in a loss of industry and employment. This caused East London to suffer, which resulted in the creation of DJC. The Secretary of State, Peter Walker clearly stated that the task of development was outside the scope of local government. This resulted in Travis Morgan drawing up development plans. This contrasted with the plans of the DJC, as the DJC aimed to consult with the local population and Morgan’s plans involved several office spaces. The DJC was dissolved in 1982 (Docklands Joint Committee Archives, 2018). The London Dockland Development Committee, abbreviated LDDC, was created in 1981, and Reg Ward was the first chief executive (Luckin & Thorsheim, 2020). The first substantial attempt to develop the Docklands was made by U.S. developer G. Ware Travelstead in 1985. The LDDC was excited by the scale of the project, which could only add critical mass to regeneration initiatives. By September, the Financial Times reported that 8.5 million sq. ft of office space had been approved by LDDC. The new plan alienated local communities through the lack of concern for their interests. Due to a lack of support and funds, the project was dropped (Docklands Joint Committee Archives, 2018). The Association of Island Communities was galvanized into action, and protests became commonplace. Peter Wade often led protests. For example, he led a march to the Island of Prince Charles with protestors in funeral attire to signify the death of the community with these renovations (CITATION for Peter Wade). There were other forms of resistance to the renovation of the Docklands. For example, political cartoons were made to show the development of the city as a monster that is destroying the community. Some advertisements described the development of the Docklands as unsuitable for the local citizens. Those who opposed this renovation were influential in the community and had access to political propaganda (Docklands Joint Committee Archives, 2018).
The Museum of London took the project over in 1987, however, they ran into legislative issues such as the MoL Act of 1965 did not allow for operation outside of London. In combination with the LDDC, they attempted to combat this with an RRO, which is a counterclaim against a law or act that says an action is more beneficial than the already enacted law. However, arguments in the committees about funding and management left the project at a standstill (United Kingdom, The National Archives). In 1997, the NLH funded the renovation. Still, the American European Associates Investors reported that management was inadequate and inexperienced, they were underprepared for the opening, and there were not enough resources, so it was delayed again. After much debate from the Museum in Docklands Trustees about the budget, the Museum opened in 2003.
The development of abandoned industrial factories into green spaces has not proven to be a simple feat in the past. Environmental organizations continue to attempt this task and they run into bureaucratic pushback. We must look at this process and examine how the community reacted to this change, as we see similar reactions today. As of 2024, the Museum of London, Docklands remains open and thriving, and we hope to see similar developments in the future.
Bibliography
Internal Sections of Nos. 1 and 9 Warehouses. 1827, Museum of London, Docklands.
Docklands Joint Committee Archives. “London Docklands – A 1976 Strategic Plan.” A London Inheritance, 18 Feb. 2018, alondoninheritance.com/tag/docklands-joint-committee/. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024.
Luckin, Bill, and Peter Thorsheim. A Mighty Capital under Threat : The Environmental History of London 1800-2000. 1st ed., University of Pittsburgh Press, 2020, https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvxkn5q7.
The Museum of London Archaeological Archive. “Who We Are: Museum of London and Museum of London Docklands.” Museum of London, 2022, www.museumoflondon.org.uk/about-us/our-organisation/who-we-are. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024.
Underwood, Alexis. Photograph of the Museum of London, Docklands Today. 10 March 2024, Author’s collection.
United Kingdom, The National Archives. “Museum of London Act 1965.” UK Public General Acts, 17 April 2024, https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1965/17/contentsWarway, Christine, “Billingsgate move plan in balance” Hackney Advertiser [Tower Hamlets], 18 April 1980, National Archives.
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank UAH Honors College for funding my trip, and for the UAH SAGA Award that funded my airfare to London.
