Image credit: Hjamesberglen / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · 2020-09-11 ↗
Pelican Stairs
Wapping · Wapping · Expansion route discovery
Story
Pelican Stairs are one of many river stairs that punctuate the Thames, once connecting the life of the shore with the river itself. Although often overshadowed by the famous Prospect of Whitby pub, these stairs are a testament to London's deep relationship with its main artery. They represent a direct link to the tides and evoke the bustling world of watermen, small-scale landings, and daily riverside labour. They are a modest structure, but it is precisely this modesty that makes them so revealing. Adjacent to a historic pub and attractive river views, the stairs might appear to be merely a minor side access. Yet, they are part of the vital network that allowed Londoners to physically touch the Thames. Their appearance changes dramatically with the tide: sometimes the water feels almost at your feet; at other times, a wide expanse of the riverbed is revealed. This natural variability underscores the history of a London where the river was not just a view, but a highway and a place of constant work. They are best appreciated from above, observing how the timber and steps descend towards the water.
What to look for
Look for the narrow stone and timber descent towards the river, noting how its relationship with the water changes with the tide. They are right beside the Prospect of Whitby pub.
Secret detail
These stairs are recognised by Historic England as a historic structure in their own right, highlighting their independent significance beyond their proximity to the pub.
Where exactly
Beside the Prospect of Whitby pub, on Wapping Wall.
Orientation
View the stairs and the river from above, observing the effect of the tide. Do not descend to the foreshore for safety.
Why it matters
Pelican Stairs offer a tangible insight into how London directly interacted with the Thames, revealing daily life, trade, and river transport before the construction of the large docks.
Access & opening
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Accessibility
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