There was never any silver in Silvertown. Smoketown, Sulphurtown, Sugartown - the place could have been called any of these and no one would have blinked.Silvertown, by Melanie McGrath (2002)
Before 1850, Silvertown was a bleak stretch of uninhabited marsh land which was occasionally used for grazing cattle. Some parts were up to ten feet below sea level, and frequently subject to flooding at high tide. Smuggling and illegal prize-fighting were also common in these lonely Thames-side marshes.
In the nineteenth century, London's eastern boundary was at Bow Creek, where its noxious industries began to congregate. From shipbuilding, to silver, iron, oils, soap, rubber and manure, London’s industry was developing on the fringes of the city.
Follow the growth and hear the stories of the Silvertown community through the generations. Through industrial development, cultural change and the devastation of war, to the new blossoming docklands area being developed for a new generation.
Project Themes
Read, Watch & Listen
Take a Virtual Tour of Silvertown
Search over 200 records with images and descriptions from locals that follows the growth of the area through the generations, from industrial development and cultural change to the devastation of war and redevelopment.
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The 'Strangers' Home Film Premiere | Wed 21st Aug @ YouTube
Photo: Newham Archives and Local Studies Library