Until recently I'd never really spent any time in Deptford in South London. However, of late, thanks mainly to the wonderful Upsidedown record shop on Deptford High Street, I've made a couple of visits. This blog post features some pictures and commentary from a recent urban wander I did, starting in Deptford, walking along the Thames path to Greenwich.
First up we have Manze's meat pie shop on Deptford High Street. I was immediately drawn to this shop by its wonderful signage. Many shops that have similar signage have long since been re-purposed but it was good to see that Manze's is still an active pie shop, and has been since 1902 apparently.
Manze's Meat Pie Shop, Deptford High Street, South London
Also on, or rather just off, Deptford High Street, are a couple of old signs, pointing people in the direction of the nearest air raid shelters in which to take cover during World War II. The first one looks as though it could still be the original one, although a shame about the 'alteration'. The second has clearly been restored at some stage.
Former air raid shelter sign, Deptford, South London
Former air raid shelter sign, Deptford, South London
As I headed north out of Deptford to the river I came across this wonderful piece of graffiti,
STEVE NOLLER WEARS FLARES
which is perhaps the ultimate insult, or not.
Graffiti, Deptford, South London
Beyond the graffiti, the road narrowed and turned into a narrow, cobbled street, aptly named Watergate Street, leading to the River Thames.
Watergate Street leading out from Deptford to the River Thames
Although most of November and December 2023 were just grey and wet, I was fortunate enough to be walking on one of the rare, cold and clear days. As Watergate Street reached its end, it opened out on to the river, affording some impressive views. I always find Canary Wharf quite soulless when I'm there, but seen from a distance it is quite impressive, particularly against the beautiful blue sky.
Canary Wharf as seen across the River Thames from Deptford
Just along the Thames is the former Paynes Paper Wharf building, which is now some sort of design studio. It's hard to make out in this picture but the lettering of its former purpose can just be seen above the arched windows, which incidentally are the only remaining feature of the original building. There are some pictures showing it in various stages of renovation
here.
The former Paynes Paper Wharf building
As the walk continued along the Thames I came across the southern entrance to the Greenwich foot tunnel, engineered by Alexander Binnie and opened in 1902, which takes pedestrians and bike beneath the river to Island Gardens on the north side.
Southern entrance to the Greenwich foot tunnel
Having been to Greenwich itself many times before, I didn't really stop there but as I reached its eastern edge, I came across the Trafalgar Tavern, looking resplendent with all the flags blowing gently against the backdrop of Canary Wharf in the winter breeze.
The Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich, South London
Beyond the more commercial part of Greenwich is the former Greenwich power station and its former coal jetty. London's lost power stations have such a rich history, much of which is lost but some still remains for the curious explorer. Inspired by this, and my visit to similar sites such as the Lots Road power station, I bought a book on
London's Lost Power Stations and Gasworks, by Ben Pedroche, which I can highly recommend for anyone with a thirst for industrial history.
Former coal jetty at Greenwich power station
Further along the river, beyond Greenwich is the former Harbour Master's Office.
Former Harbour Master's Office, Greenwich
And finally in this post, a view across the River Thames, taken as the sun was beginning to set.
View across the River Thames from Greenwich
Many thanks for reading this post. Hopefully I will continue to post new material on a more frequent basis than recently.
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