The Prospect of Whitby

Image: © Marathon Taken: 13 Oct 2021

The Prospect of Whitby in Wapping is London's oldest riverside pub dating back to 1520. It is also one of the best-known pubs along the tidal Thames. It still has its original beams, flagstones and panelling. Its name is derived from the ships sailing down from Whitby to deliver coal to the Port of London. It was once haunted by pirates and smugglers, and the artists Turner and Whistler were frequent visitors, as well as Samuel Pepys. The fuchsia was first brought into this country into the Prospect of Whitby by a sailor, who sold a specimen for a noggin of rum. The following year it yielded 300 plants. Nearby was Execution Dock where pirates and other malefactors were hung until they had been ceremoniously washed by three tides. Among these was Captain Kidd who was executed in 1701 on a charge of piracy, probably trumped up because he failed to bring in an adequate return for his backers. A noose hangs outside the pub to commemorate this - see http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6992424. This photograph was taken from the beach at low tide by descending Pelican Stairs on the left alongside the pub.

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