In 1601 Sir James Lancaster left London on the first voyage of the East India Company which, over the following 250 years, became one of the most powerful companies the world has ever seen, controlling the fate of millions of people, wielding its own army and dominating trade with South and East Asia. It was Britain's first multinational company and its effects on London were immense. This virtual walk with Rob Smith on Zoom will show you some of the legacy of the East India Company today, and where you can find them, in East London and beyond, including large houses like Danson House, parks like Wanstead and East India Company Warehouses in the City at Devonshire Square. Rob will look at how street names around the old East India Docks have a connection to the East India Company and where you can find connections to them in Croydon. There will be a look at East India Company objects can be found in museums and even in the Crown Jewels.
Virtual Guide: Rob Smith
Online Event
Using old maps and photographs as we walk, with a chance for questions and discussion, this walk from East India DLR Station to Canary Wharf looks at the East India Company and the ruthless sugar traders that built warehouses in the area around Canary Wharf using profits made from the labour of enslaved Africans. You'll see what is left of the East and West India docks, built for sailing ships in the early 1800's.
Guide: Rob Smith
Meet at East India DLR Station, Aspen Way, London E14 9GF
This walk with Rob Smith from Royal Victoria Dock to Pontoon Dock looks at the vast Royal group of docks, built for steamships by entrepreneur engineers and at some of the industry that was created by the docks. Rob will also talk about the dock workers strike of 1889 and the creation of the Port of London Authority. One of a series of walks by Rob covering different periods in the development of the Port of London from the Romans to Canary Wharf, uncovering some of the legacy of the Port of London through street names, mooring posts, cranes, plaques etc. and using old maps and photographs.
Guide: Rob Smith
Meet at Royal Victoria DLR Station, Seagull Lane, London E16 1BZ
