Investigating the maritime history of Rotherhithe: excavations at Pacific Wharf, 165 Rotherhithe Street, Southwark

Abstract

• The archaeological work at Pacific Wharf, Rotherhithe, has provided a fascinating insight into the rich maritime heritage of the Thames waterfront. The land was occupied in the 17th century, by first a timber yard and then a commercial wharf. Shipbuilding arrived in the 18th century, and in the early 19th century the Beatson family began a ship breaker’s yard. Pacific Wharf was the final resting place of the Temeraire, a veteran of the battle of Trafalgar and immortalised by Turner as The Fighting Temeraire being towed up river to its demise. The findings include important evidence of woodworking techniques and shipbuilding technology.