Prospect of Whitby (London pub)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Prospect of Whitby seen from the Thames foreshore. (January 2006)
Enlarge
The Prospect of Whitby seen from the Thames foreshore. (January 2006)

The Prospect of Whitby is a popular name for a pub. The most famous pub of that name is to be found on the banks of the Thames at Wapping in the East End of London. Dating from around 1520, it was formerly known as the Devil's Tavern. In former times it was a meeting place for smugglers, cutthroats and footpads. Later, it became the hostelry of choice of Hanging Judge Jeffreys, the scourge of the Monmouth Rebellion. Story has it that criminals would be tied up to the posts at low tide and that they would be left there to drown when the tide came in.

Following a fire in the early 19th century, the tavern was rebuilt and renamed The Prospect of Whitby. The pub was closed in May 2006 for another refurbishment, and reopened on 7 July in the same year.

On the opposite side of the road (Wapping Wall) is the Wapping Hydraulic Power Station, now an arts centre and restaurant.

[edit] External links