The Thames and its docks

"The Thames and its Docks" by Alexander Forrow is a late 19th-century lecture transformed into a book, telling the story of London's rise as a global trade superstar through the lens of its river and docks. The narrative journeys through time, starting with the earliest signs of maritime business on the Thames and moving towards its golden age as a bustling center of commerce. It shines a light on how different groups of traders, including the Easterlings, East India, and West India merchants, impacted London's growth and shaped its future. The lecture format explores the numerous plans and improvements proposed but also highlights the struggles and groundbreaking solutions in handling the docks. Forrow emphasizes how vital the changes to the river and its docks were to London's success in trade and overall expansion.