Not far from Tower Bridge are St Katharine Docks, which today serve as a marina for private yachts. However, this place is interesting not only for the opportunity to admire luxurious vessels, but also for its history.
In the Middle Ages, there were residential houses and a city hospital here. Later these buildings were demolished, and in 1827 a huge port was built in their place. The ship docks inherited their name from the destroyed St Katharine's Hospital.
As early as the 19th century, merchant ships were unloaded here, and tea, spices, marble, carpets, cigars, and other luxury goods were sold.
Later, in the era when steamships appeared, the port complex lost its functional importance. By the end of World War II, the docks had been badly damaged by bombing. Therefore, the port was moved outside the city, and an elite district began to be built in this place.
Today, St Katharine Docks are a prestigious London quarter where you can find many expensive shops and restaurants. In addition, the views that open up here are truly breathtaking. It is worth coming here not only to spend an evening in a luxurious restaurant, but also to look at the cozy bridges over the inlets and the yachts whitening in the blue water. The romantic atmosphere and light breeze make such walks especially pleasant.
