From the earliest days until the mid-18th century the Thames was the preferred route for travelling east-west across London, and a barrier which had to be crossed by boat to travel north-south. By boat, because the roads were very poor and there was only one bridge. In 1510 Henry VIII set up a licencing system for watermen, or wherrymen, and in 1555 the watermen were incorporated to control tariffs and impose safety regulations. In 1700 the watermen joined forces with the lightermen (who carried cargo rather than passengers) to form the Company of Watermen and Lightermen. See also Doggett's Coat and Badge.
This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Thames watermen
Commemorated ati
wherrymen seat
{On the modern plaque above:} The Ferryman's seat located on previous buildin...
Other Subjects
1 memorial
Macclesfield Bridge explosion
From London Gardens Trust: "The bridge over the Regent's Canal to the north west of the Park was originally called North Gate Bridge but was re named in honour of Lord Macclesfield, the Chairman of...
1 memorial
Roger Blake
Hackney Council provided this information in 2015: The high level walkway between Hackney Central and Hackney Downs stations was dedicated to Hackney Council’s former Principal Transport Planner, R...
1 memorial
Charles Hay and Son
Barge builders and repairers. Charles Hay was a Queen's Waterman and a Master of the Watermen's Company. The business is still operational, but part of the building has been converted into flats.
1 memorial
Caldedonian Sleeper
From the website: "Travel in comfort Between Scotland and London, allowing you to arrive refreshed The Caledonian Sleeper is the most civilised way to travel between Scotland and London, allowing ...
1 memorial
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Ada Nield Chew
Working-class, factory worker, promoter of women’s trade unions. Born on a farm in North Staffordshire as Ada Nield. 1897 married George Chew (d.1940) who was also an organiser with the Independe...
1 memorial
Valentine Poole Houses - Southgate
N14, The Green, 28
23 - 31 The Green, built 1780 by Valentine Poole Trust for the poor of Barnet. Architect: Michael Searles (1750 - 1813). Saved from dem...
4 subjects commemorated
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