Select delivery location
See All Buying Options
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Peter Stone
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The History of the Port of London: A Vast Emporium of All Nations Hardcover – October 30, 2017

by Peter Stone (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 73 ratings
See all formats and editions
The River Thames has been integral to the prosperity of London since Roman times. Explorers sailed away on voyages of discovery to distant lands. Colonies were established and a great empire grew. Funding their ships and cargoes helped make the City of London into the world's leading financial center. In the 19th century a vast network of docks was created for ever-larger ships, behind high, prison-like walls that kept them secret from all those who did not toil within. Sail made way for steam as goods were dispatched to every corner of the world. In the 19th century London was the world's greatest port city. In the Second World War the Port of London became Hitler's prime target. It paid a heavy price but soon recovered. Yet by the end of the 20th century the docks had been transformed into Docklands, a new financial center.

The History of the Port of London: A Vast Emporium of Nations is the fascinating story of the rise and fall and revival of the commercial river. The only book to tell the whole story and bring it right up to date, it charts the foundation, growth and evolution of the port and explains why for centuries it has been so important to Britain's prosperity. This book will appeal to those interested in London's history, maritime and industrial heritage, the Docklands and East End of London, and the River Thames.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Pen and Sword History
  4. Publication date
    October 30, 2017
  5. Dimensions
    6.25 x 1.25 x 9.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1473860377
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1473860377
  8. See all details
Next page
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The Thames rapidly became the most important river in the country following the Roman invasion, and has remained so ever since. Peter's History of the Port of London puts everything into perspective and looks at how it developed and changed through the ages. The section on how it became Hitler's prime target during WW2 is especially interesting, along with its conversion to the capital's financial hub, of course. Pure social history of the highest order.
Books Monthly

Stone's writing is clear and engaging throughout and the accompanying photographs are well chosen. But perhaps what is more impressive is the wide range of writers the author draws upon to bring the port's story to life.
Waterways World

This meticulously researched account underlines the importance of the capital's docklands… the overall arc, from Roman landing to modern financial centre, is illuminated by maps, photos and the sheer scale of research.
Discover Britain

Peter Stone's comprehensive volume helps us all make sense of the changing scene on London's river.
Best of British Magazine

Overall, this is a solid, well-researched history, written in an easily accessible style. The full history of the Port of London is finally, and finely, told.
Londonist

A close-in view of the most famous seaport worldwide, the book will appeal to Londoners and also those outside the capital interested in Britain’s rich maritime heritage.
Julian Stockwin, author action-adventure historical fiction

About the Author

Head of School, School of Arts and Cultures, Newcastle University; Professor of Heritage Studies

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pen and Sword History; 1st edition (October 30, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1473860377
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1473860377
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.26 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.25 x 1.25 x 9.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 73 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Peter Stone

Peter Stone

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
73 global ratings

Top review from the United States

Batsey9
5.0 out of 5 stars Great delivery
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2020
Verified Purchase
good condition
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Madeleine McLaughlin
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting History
Reviewed in Canada on September 28, 2022
Verified Purchase
Well researched history of the Port of London mostly tells the story of the docks themselves. Not too much about the people but for me, it's main interest lies in telling how the Port was configured in days gone by.
Report
Lizanne Lloyd
5.0 out of 5 stars All you've ever wanted to know about the River Thames
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 11, 2019
Verified Purchase
As a descendent of the families of Lightermen and Barge builders on the River Thames I am fascinated by the rise and fall of trade and shipping in London through the ages. The 18th and 19th century river particularly fascinates me and Peter Stone’s meticulous research and vivid description of the changes from “a sea of masts” through the emergence of steam power, gave me a vivid picture of this crowded, industrious scene. The author himself has generations of Thames watermen as his ancestors, giving him the authority and enthusiasm to bring this social history to life. From the original Roman settlement, where tidal access made communication with Europe easy, to the modern day importance of Canary Wharf and the fast-moving clippers this easily read, true story is a “must have” for those interested in London or history.
4 people found this helpful
 Report
Leo John De freitas
4.0 out of 5 stars A readable account of The Port of London
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 3, 2021
Verified Purchase
Pleased that the author tied together names and places (e.g. What part the Hansa League played in London and where exactly their Steelyard was on the waterfront) in the wider historical panorama of his subject. And enjoyable read in well chosen bites of text.
Report
Philip S
5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating. wide ranging read. Highly recommended.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 22, 2019
Verified Purchase
Well written and wide ranging. As a Londoner that can remember the end of the docks and as an "old school" Thames foreshore mudlark from the 1960s (with my father) I found this book fascinating.
I'm not one for writing long well reasoned reviews. If you like British history, if you fancy delving into aspects of London history you'd never even thought of before and if you have a passing interest in the history of the Thames, this is a brilliant read. I wish my father was still around to read it. He'd have loved it too.
2 people found this helpful
 Report
Susan harris
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written, exciting and informative.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 22, 2019
Verified Purchase
Peter, I promised myself I would only read the preface upon receiving as this was supposed to keep me occupied on a 9 hour flight to Denver. Well...that is proving to be a problem. My wife, after discovering me in an occupied position in the ensuite, pouring over the first full chapter, snatched it out of my hands to pack away for later this week.
So, alas, I can only tell others how readable and informative the first few pages were. I will keep this updated when my lovely wife let's me have this wonderful book back...
One person found this helpful
 Report