The Islanders

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.

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