Brewers Quay is a wharf on the north bank of the River Thames, near Tower Bridge and Tower of London. It has a long and rich history, dating back to medieval times, when it was known as Clare’s Quay. In this blog post, we will explore some of the fascinating aspects of Brewers Quay, especially its role and fate during World War II.
Clare’s Quay: The Origins of Brewers Quay
The earliest mention of Clare’s Quay dates back to 1352, when it was granted by Ralph Campion, executor of Amice Palmer, widow of John Palmer, shipwright, to Sir John Philip, rector of St. Faith. The quay was located between Stew Quay on the west and the Ram’s Head on the east, both of which were also wharves with their own histories.
Clare’s Quay changed hands several times over the centuries, passing from Brownyngs to Purfoots to Gays to Jenyns to Lewyses to Wylsons to Jameses. In 1566, Roger James, a brewer, bought Clare’s Quay and its house from Thomas Wylson. This marked the beginning of a long association between brewing and this site.
The Ram’s Head: The Corner Property
The Ram’s Head was another wharf that adjoined Clare’s Quay on its eastern side. It was also known as Tower Dock or Watergate because it was next to a small inlet that led into Tower Hill. The name Ram’s Head came from a brewhouse that stood on this property since at least 1494.
The Ram’s Head was owned by various brewers over time, such as Pykes and Jenyns. In 1618, it was sold by Nicholas Jenyns to William Craven (later Lord Craven), who also acquired Clare’s Quay in 1625. Craven was a wealthy merchant and philanthropist who supported King Charles I during the Civil War and helped rebuild London after the Great Fire.
Brewers’ Quay: The Modern Name
In 1667, Craven leased both Clare’s Quay and Ram’s Head (along with other properties) to Thomas Chiffinch for 99 years at £100 per annum. Chiffinch was a courtier and confidential agent of King Charles II who used these premises for various purposes including storing wine for royal use.
In 1766, Chiffinch’s lease expired and Craven’s heirs sold both quays to William Calvert (later Sir William Calvert), another brewer who owned several breweries in London including one at Upper Thames Street near Blackfriars Bridge. Calvert renamed Clare’s Quay as Brewers’ Quay after his profession.
Brewers’ Quay remained in Calvert family until 1899 when it was sold along with other properties to Courage & Co., one of the largest brewing companies in Britain at that time. Courage continued to operate Brewers’ Quay as a brewery until 1970 when it closed down due to declining demand for beer.
World War II: The Destruction of Brewers’ Quay
During World War II (1939-1945), London suffered heavy bombing by Nazi Germany as part of their Blitz campaign against Britain. The Port of London was one of their main targets because it was vital for trade and supply for Britain and its allies.
Brewers’ Quay was hit several times by German bombs during World War II especially on December 29th 1940 which became known as “the second Great Fire” because it caused widespread fires across London including St Paul’s Cathedral which miraculously survived.
Brewers’ Quay was largely destroyed by these bombings along with many other historic buildings in Petty Wales area such as All Hallows Barking Church which dated back to Saxon times. Only some fragments remained such as parts of walls or cellars which can still be seen today if you look closely enough.
Conclusion: A Legacy Worth Remembering
Brewers’ Quay may not exist anymore but its history lives on through records archives photos memories stories etcetera It represents an important part of London’s heritage especially its maritime commercial industrial cultural social aspects It also reminds us how war can devastate human lives places cultures but also how people can overcome adversity rebuild recover restore.
Brewers Quay – Tower Stairs
One of the oldest wharves in the Port of London was hit several times in Germany’s earliest attacks on the Port. It was finally destroyed on the night of December 29th, 1940.
The Dutch services of the General Steam Navigation Company, oldest sea-going steamship company in the world, were run from this quay, and one of their ships is moored alongside in the upper photo.
Now from the river there is a view of desolation to Lower Thames Street, up Beer Lane to great Tower Street, and on to the ruined areas of Seething Lane, Mark Lane and Mincing Lane.
Images from East London showing the destruction from German bombs during World War Two. Images scanned from a genuine copy of The London Evening news magazine, handed down to me from my grandfather.
I am interested to know more about the iron works in Canning Town and a Trinity Buoy Wharf