Execution Dock, Wapping: London's Maritime Justice Site
Explore the haunting site where London’s Admiralty executed pirates and seafarers for over 400 years along the Thames foreshore in Wapping.
Execution Dock in Wapping, London, was a notorious site used for over 400 years to execute pirates, smugglers, and mutineers convicted by the Admiralty courts. Located on the Thames foreshore at low tide, it symbolized the reach of maritime law and justice. Public executions here were grim spectacles, with infamous figures like Captain Kidd meeting their fate. Today, the dock's exact location is debated, but its history remains a haunting reminder of London's seafaring past.
A brief summary to Execution Dock House
- 80 Wapping High St, London, E1W 2NE, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit at low tide to see the Wapping Old Stairs leading down to the foreshore, believed to be near the original Execution Dock site.
- Explore nearby historic pubs like the Town of Ramsgate and Prospect of Whitby, which claim proximity to the dock and offer atmospheric settings.
- Bring sturdy footwear for walking on cobbled streets and potentially muddy foreshore areas.
- Learn about the Admiralty’s maritime law and infamous executions, including that of Captain Kidd, to fully appreciate the site’s history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Circle or District Line to Tower Hill Station. From there, a 20-30 minute walk east along the Thames Path leads to Wapping High Street near the Execution Dock site. The route is mostly flat but cobbled in parts, with no entry fees.
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Overground Train
Board the London Overground to Wapping Station. From the station, it is a 10-minute walk along Wapping High Street to the vicinity of Execution Dock. The area is accessible but involves some uneven surfaces.
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Bus
Several London bus routes serve Wapping High Street, including routes 100 and D3. Bus travel times vary from 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic. Buses stop within a short walk of the site. Standard London bus fares apply.
Execution Dock House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Execution Dock House
A Grim Legacy on the Thames Foreshore
Execution Dock, situated on the banks of the River Thames in Wapping, London, served as the principal site for maritime executions for more than four centuries until the 1830s. This dock was uniquely positioned just beyond the low tide line, marking the jurisdictional boundary of the British Admiralty Court. The Admiralty exercised authority over crimes committed at sea, whether near England or abroad, and those convicted of piracy, mutiny, smuggling, or murder aboard ships were sentenced to death here. The dock’s location on the foreshore was symbolic, emphasizing the court’s reach even into the waters of the Thames.The Harrowing Procession and Execution Customs
Prisoners condemned to death were typically held in Marshalsea or Newgate prisons before being paraded through London. The procession, led by the High Court Marshal carrying a silver oar as a symbol of Admiralty authority, crossed London Bridge and passed the Tower of London en route to the dock. The condemned were transported in a cart accompanied by a chaplain who urged them to confess their sins. Upon arrival, executions were public events drawing large crowds who gathered along the riverbanks or on boats to witness the grim spectacle. Pirates faced particularly brutal punishment: they were hanged with a shortened rope, a method causing slow strangulation rather than a quick death by neck break. This agonizing ordeal was known as the "Marshal’s Dance" due to the convulsive leg movements of the dying. After death, bodies remained hanging until three tides had washed over them, reinforcing the maritime jurisdiction. Notorious pirates’ corpses were sometimes tarred and displayed in iron cages (gibbets) along the Thames as a dire warning to others.Famous Figures and Final Executions
Among the most infamous executed at Execution Dock was Captain William Kidd, a Scottish privateer turned pirate, who was hanged in 1701. His execution was notably gruesome, with the rope breaking on the first attempt. His body was subsequently tarred and gibbeted on the Thames for over two decades. The last executions at the dock occurred in December 1830, when George Davis and William Watts were hanged for piracy related to a mutiny.The Elusive Location and Present-Day Context
The precise site of Execution Dock is subject to debate, as the original gallows and dock structures have long vanished. Several riverside pubs, including the Prospect of Whitby, Captain Kidd, and the Town of Ramsgate, claim proximity to the historic site. The Town of Ramsgate, near Wapping Old Stairs, is considered the most likely location. Today, the area’s cobbled streets and historic warehouses evoke the maritime past, offering a quiet, reflective atmosphere contrasting with the dock’s brutal history.The Cultural and Historical Significance
Execution Dock stands as a powerful symbol of London’s maritime heritage and the harsh justice meted out to those who defied the law at sea. The dock’s history provides insight into the Admiralty’s role in maintaining order over the vast British maritime empire. It also reflects the public nature of justice in earlier centuries, where executions served as both punishment and spectacle. While no physical remnants remain, the stories and traditions surrounding Execution Dock continue to captivate historians and visitors alike.Legacy in London’s Urban Landscape
Though the dock itself has disappeared beneath modern development, its legacy endures in local lore and commemorations. Replica gallows at the Prospect of Whitby pub and plaques near Wapping Old Stairs mark the memory of this grim chapter. The dock’s story enriches London’s complex narrative, blending maritime law, crime, and public spectacle along one of the world’s most famous rivers.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Execution Dock House
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The Captain Kidd
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Execution Dock
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Historic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Nature Escape
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
