Thames River Police Museum, London
Explore the pioneering history of the world's first river police force at the Thames River Police Museum in historic Wapping, London.
The Thames River Police Museum in Wapping, London, showcases the rich history of the world's first river police force, established in 1798 to combat theft from ships on the Thames. The museum is housed at the original site where the Marine Police, later the Thames River Police, have operated continuously for over two centuries. Exhibits include historic police equipment, boats, and stories of pioneering policing methods that influenced modern law enforcement worldwide.
A brief summary to Thames River Police Museum
- 98 Wapping High St, London, E1W 2NE, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Allow at least 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the museum’s extensive exhibits and absorb the rich history.
- Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience with the displays.
- Check the museum’s website or contact ahead for any special exhibitions or events.
- Combine your visit with a walk along the Thames Path nearby to experience the maritime atmosphere of Wapping.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Tower Hill Station (District and Circle lines), then catch the London Overground to Wapping Station. The total journey takes approximately 25 to 35 minutes. Wapping Station is a short 10-minute walk from the museum. Note that service frequency varies, especially on weekends. Single fares range from £2.50 to £5.00 depending on the time and ticket type.
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Bus
Bus routes 100 and D3 serve Wapping High Street, stopping within a 5-minute walk of the museum. Buses run every 10 to 20 minutes during the day. The journey from central London takes about 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Contactless payment and Oyster cards are accepted; fares typically cost around £1.65 to £2.50.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London to the museum takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. This option offers direct access but can be affected by congestion and higher costs, typically ranging from £10 to £20.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby in the Docklands or Tower Hamlets area, a pleasant 20 to 30-minute walk along the Thames Path or through Wapping’s historic streets brings you to the museum. The terrain is flat and accessible for most visitors.
Thames River Police Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Thames River Police Museum
Origins of the World's First River Police
The Thames River Police Museum stands on a historic site in Wapping where the Marine Police, founded in 1798 by magistrate Patrick Colquhoun and justice of the peace John Harriott, began operations to tackle rampant theft and crime on the River Thames. Initially funded by the West India Committee to protect valuable cargo from the West Indies, this pioneering force was revolutionary in focusing on crime prevention rather than reaction. Their success in reducing losses from pilferage set a precedent for modern policing and directly influenced the establishment of the Metropolitan Police in 1829.Evolution and Expansion of the Thames River Police
From its inception, the force expanded its reach along the Thames, opening additional stations at Waterloo and Blackwall by 1829. In 1839, the Thames River Police merged with the Metropolitan Police, becoming the Thames Division, but retained a distinct identity focused on policing the river and its environs. The evolution of their patrol vessels from rowing galleys to steam-powered launches, especially after major incidents like the Princess Alice disaster, reflects their adaptation to the growing demands of river policing in a bustling global port.The Museum's Unique Historical Collection
The museum’s exhibits provide a comprehensive view of over two centuries of river policing. Visitors can explore original police equipment, models of patrol boats, historic documents, and photographs that narrate the story of the Marine Policing Unit. Highlights include artefacts related to early female police divers, the first mobile phones used by the unit, and flags and memorabilia from significant events. The museum’s location within the original police station building adds authenticity to the experience.Wapping: A Historic Maritime Community
Wapping itself, once a densely built dockside community surrounded by warehouses and docks, provides a vivid backdrop to the museum. The area’s maritime heritage is palpable, with the police station’s pier still used for launching patrol boats. Though the surrounding warehouses have been converted into modern apartments, the atmosphere retains echoes of the bustling port activity that necessitated the creation of the river police.The Marine Policing Unit Today
Today, the Thames River Police continue as the Marine Policing Unit of the Metropolitan Police Service, still headquartered at the Wapping site. Their remit now includes counter-terrorism patrols, search and rescue, and policing 47 miles of the Thames and other waterways. The museum celebrates this ongoing legacy, highlighting the unit’s evolution while preserving the history of one of the world’s oldest continuous police forces.Visiting the Museum Experience
The museum offers an immersive journey through the history of policing on the Thames, with detailed displays that appeal to maritime history enthusiasts, policing scholars, and general visitors alike. Its compact, single-room layout is packed with visual and textual information, making it a rich but manageable visit. The curators, often former officers, provide an insider’s perspective on the unit’s proud heritage and unique role in London’s history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Captain Kidd
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King Henry’s Stairs (Execution Dock)
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Execution Dock House
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Ornamental Canal
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Execution Dock
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Cable Street Mural
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Shad Thames
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St Katharine Docks Marina
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Jack The Ripper Museum
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The Kernel Spa Road
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Brew By Numbers Tasting Room
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Tower Bridge
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Ropewalk
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Maltby Street Market
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Lanthorn Tower
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Essential places to dine
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14 Hills
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Lyle's
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Brawn
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The Clove Club
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Nest Restaurant Old Street
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Da Terra Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Traders Gate
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DPUS Designer Outlet
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Brick Lane Souvenirs
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
