The Prospect of Whitby, Wapping 1971

The Prospect of Whitby is one of London’s most historic and atmospheric riverside pubs, located on Wapping Wall in Wapping, East London.

Key details:

• Location: 57 Wapping Wall, Wapping, London E1W 3SH

• Borough: London Borough of Tower Hamlets

• Area: Wapping, east of the Tower of London, along the north bank of the Thames

Historical Background:

The Prospect of Whitby claims to be the oldest riverside tavern in London, with origins dating back to circa 1520, when it was known as the Devil’s Tavern. It was a favourite haunt for sailors, merchants, smugglers, and river pirates, and it had a notorious reputation in its early days.

The pub was later renamed after a collier ship called The Prospect of Whitby that used to dock nearby.

Notable Features and Associations:

• Historic interior: The pub retains 17th-century oak beams, flagstone floors, and a pewter-topped bar, offering a real sense of old London.

• Famous patrons: It’s said to have been frequented by Samuel Pepys, Judge Jeffreys (the “Hanging Judge”), and Charles Dickens.

• Execution dock views: Outside the rear terrace overlooking the Thames, there’s a replica gibbet—a grim reminder of the nearby Execution Dock, where pirates and smugglers were hanged at low tide.

• River views: Its rear terrace directly overlooks the Thames and offers iconic views of the river, Canary Wharf, and beyond.

Today:

The Prospect of Whitby is now operated by Greene King and remains a working pub, popular with locals, tourists, and history enthusiasts alike. Despite modern touches, it carefully preserves the atmosphere of a centuries-old dockside tavern.