A ViSiT tO tHe DoCkLaNdS

'Duck and Cover!'- One of the examples of a bomb shelter from WWII. No one knew the jingle... I was thoroughly disappointed...

Monday, October 27th

I spent a good deal of time this morning journaling from the weekend, and basking in the glory of Carmina Burana and its greatness.

I left to go get some lunch, and then went with Cody to our trip to the Docklands. Our International Studies 381 class required a trip to the Docklands and Canary Wharf, so that was on today’s agenda.

First stop was the Museum of Docklands. We had to take the DLR railway out there, and for the first time, I actually paid attention to what DLR stands for- Docklands Light Railway. It all made sense after touring the museum.

Here is a brief timeline of the ENTIRE history of London’s docklands, definitely making me understand more of this city’s existence:

-50AD- Londinium: City on the Thames founded by the Romans
-410AD- Londonium falls into political and financial crisis, vulnerable to attack by outside forces, and the city falls
-late 5th century- Vikings and Anglo Saxon tribes invade Londinium, but do not stay
-Medieval London- trade increased, but was threatened because of the plague
-Mid 1500’s- Tudor :London- the ports attract merchants worldwide due to innovations in ship technology, and the population grows back from the decline of the plague
-1700s- London continues to grow with finance and commerce, and the slave trade begins
-early 19th century- massive dock displays were built, replacing old Medieval landmarks including the old London Bridge. The population grows by 50%.
-1775- the second whaling trade is developed. For a while, London is the leader in the industry.
-1800s- The banks of the Thames holds the largest shipbuilding industry in the world. The development of the steamboat arises, again, increasing productivity and trade.
-9-3-1939- Prime Minister Chamberlain announces Britain’s involvement in WWII against Germany. The enemy targeted docks along the Thames because of the huge trade industry and the losses that would result in the damage. Raids hit industrial targets and London’s suburbs.
-9-1-1940- Black Saturday- London’s docks are obliterated by enemy attacks. Top secret tactics are developed for the war effort, including project ‘PLUTO (pipe lines under the sea)’ to ensure fuel delivery over to France to supply the soldiers, and building defense forts along the Thames.
-6-6-1944- D-Day- British and American invasion of Western Europe
-5-7-1945- WWII ends, leaving London much damage, however, the rebuilding process will come to quite an advantage over time, making the Docklands one of the most impressive industrialized cities in Britain
-Docklands are successfully rebuilt by 1955, but suffered a state of decline by 1975. Plans to regenerate were hotly contested.
-1981- London Docklands Development Corporation is created to ensure financial and economic prosper. London expands outside of strictly the trade industry, creating developments such as the DLR Railway, London City Airport, and industrial parks.


After walking through some of these areas after our visit to the museum, I saw how industrialized this area was, from what it was in the past. It was getting dark by the time we left the museum, and the city was absolutely beautiful with such tall buildings lit up along the Thames. It is a different feel in Central London because there aren’t really many skyscrapers like you would expect in the big city, so it was interesting to see more of the industrial, modern side of town.

We walked around for a while looking at all of the buildings, the light casting on the reflections in the water. We took a walk through Jubilee Park, which had really pretty lighted fountains, hedges, and trees. We walked some more along the water, into a park, and along more tall buildings, and then decided to get on the Canary Wharf tube and head back for dinner and our mandatory Monday night meeting.

After the meeting, I went back to my room to get ready for scheduling for next semester. I had everything planned out before I left so that I wouldn’t have to go through the trouble here, but now some of the classes I needed are not offered next semester… I think I should have it all figured out now, so we will see what happens. Just a little frustrating though…. Gr. Just when you think you are ahead…