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Smiths Wharf, Queenhithe, London
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Smiths Wharf, Queenhithe, London
Lightermen preparing for work on barges moored on the River Thames opposite Smiths Wharf, Queenhithe, City of London. Date: circa 1950s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23430062
© A The John Turner Photographic Collection / Mary Evans AA The John Turner Photographic Collection / Mary Evans
Barge Barges Moored Opposite Preparing Ripples Smiths Wharf Lighterman Queenhithe
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph, taken circa 1950s, we witness the daily routine of the lightermen as they prepare for work on the River Thames opposite Smiths Wharf, Queenhithe, in the City of London. The tranquil scene on the waterway is a stark contrast to the bustling cityscape that surrounds it. The lightermen, dressed in their traditional uniforms, are seen busily attending to their barges, which are moored along the riverbank. Their distinctive hats, known as "lighterman's caps," are a distinctive feature of their attire, and serve both functional and symbolic purposes - protecting them from the sun and rain, as well as signifying their membership in the ancient guild of lightermen. The lightermen's role was essential to the transportation of goods in and out of the Port of London. They would transfer cargo from larger ships to smaller barges, which could navigate the narrower waterways and reach the heart of the city. The barges, with their distinctive flat bottoms and square sails, are seen moored in the foreground, their rippling reflections adding to the serene atmosphere of the image. The buildings along the banks of the Thames, with their ornate facades and tall chimneys, loom in the background, a testament to the industrial might of the city. The scene is one of quiet industry and determination, as the lightermen go about their work, preparing for another day on the river. This photograph offers a glimpse into a bygone era, a time when the River Thames was the lifeblood of London's commerce and trade.
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