With its vast system of enclosed docks and one and a half thousand working wharves, London was once the world's greatest port. Ships arrived from far and near, at the rate of 1,000 movements each week, requiring a workforce of 100,000. A revolution in cargo handling led to radical changes in the size and design of ships and London's port would never be the same again: most of the docks and wharves closed for business; the shipping scene moving downriver where new larger ships could berth; upriver quaysides were re-invented as locations for expensive commercial and residential properties.

This book takes the reader on a fascinating journey through a period of change from the latter years of London's docks up to the present day. With its wealth of illustrations, it demonstrates how the Port of London has re-emerged as a premier British port, equipped to handle the most sophisticated modern ship, with further expansion planned. Recent decades have been a memorable era for everyone connected with the port.