Led by Footprints of London guide Rob Smith, each walk covers a different period in the development of the Port of London from the Romans to Canary Wharf. Walks are at a moderate pace, with frequent stops, where we will look at some of the legacy of the Port of London – street names, mooring posts, cranes, plaques etc. We will look at old maps and photographs as we walk, and there will be chance for questions and discussion.

Each walk will last about two hours and cover 1.5-2 miles distance. Spend one Sunday afternoon at your local docks, or book all four walks and get the full experience - and a 10% discount, too.

18 June: The Roman and Medieval Port

A walk along the Thames from the Tower of London to Blackfriars bridge, looking at the early development of London’s port. You’ll see some Roman remains, the site of the Hanseatic league’s base in London, see historic objects in the Queenhithe mosaic and discuss what were the Legal Quays.

Meeting point: Outside Tower Hill station

25 June: East and West India Docks

A walk from East India Docklands Light railway Station to Canary Wharf, looking at the legacy of the East India Company and the ruthless sugar traders that built the warehouses in the area around Canary Wharf using profits made from the labour of enslaved Africans.

Meeting point: Outside East India DLR station

2 July: The Royal Docks

This walk from Royal Victoria Dock to Pontoon Dock looks at the vast Royal group of docks, built for steamships by entrepreneur engineers. The walk looks at some of the industry that was created by the docks. We will also talk about the dock workers strike of 1889 and the creation of the Port of London authority.

Meeting point: Outside Royal Victoria DLR station

9 July: The Surrey Commercial Docks

Starting at Surrey Quays this is a walk around an area that was transformed from being one of the busiest parts of the Port of London, to an area of housing, retail and open spaces. There is plenty of legacy to see. We will talk about the docks in World War Two, how changing commercial realities saw the docks closure and talk about their transformation into Docklands. There will also be a chance to talk about the Port of London today.

Meeting point: Outside Canada Water station