The Prospect of Whitby, in Wapping, London, is not the oldest riverside tavern, but a place where one was founded in the 16th century. It was Sir Hugh Willoughby who set sail from this very spot in 1553, embarking on a perilous journey to discover the North-East Passage to China. Although it was a haven for pirates, smugglers, and rogues in days gone by, Execution Dock was not by Wapping Old Stairs but nearby.
The Prospect of Whitby has witnessed many intriguing events through the ages, such as the first sale of fuchsia plants in the United Kingdom. In 1826, James Mann renamed it Mann's Prospect of Whitby after acquiring Mann, Crossman & Paulin Ltd. The pub was enlisted as a Grade II listed building in December 1950 and underwent reconstruction in 1951 to expand its interior space. The pub was ransacked by armed robbers in January 1953 and played host to Princess Margaret and Prince Rainier III of Monaco.
The story of the Prospect of Whitby continues to unfold, as it stands proudly, a fascinating piece of London's historical quilt, frequented by both locals and tourists.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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