Butler's Wharf

Butler's Wharf from Tower Bridge

Butler's Wharf is a historic building on the south bank of the River Thames just east of London's Tower Bridge, now housing luxury flats and restaurants. Lying between the picturesque street Shad Thames and the Thames Path, it overlooks both the bridge and St Katharine Docks on the other side of the river. Butler's Wharf is also used as a term for the surrounding area.

History

Butler's Wharf was built 1871-73 as a shipping wharf and warehouse complex, accommodating goods unloaded from ships using the port of London. It contained what was reputedly the largest tea warehouse in the world. During the 20th century, Butler's Wharf and other warehouses in the area fell into disuse.

From 1975-78 the artists' space at 2B Butler's Wharf was a key venue for early UK video art and performance art, used among others by Derek Jarman.

Since the 1980s Butler's Wharf has been transformed from a derelict site into luxury flats with restaurants and shops on the ground floor. Terence Conran owns several of the restaurants, which include Butler's Wharf Chop House, Pont de la Tour and Cantina del Ponte.

Butler's Wharf is Grade II listed.

Surrounding area

Main article: Shad Thames

Butler's Wharf is also used as a name for the surrounding area, otherwise called Shad Thames after the main local street.

External links

• 2B Butler's Wharf
• Butler's Wharf Pier
• Details from listed building database (471315) - Grade II - Butler's Wharf building. Images of England. English Heritage.
• Details from listed building database (471314) - Grade II - 29 Shad Thames - W11 warehouse. Images of England. English Heritage.
• Details from listed building database (471317) - Grade II - Eagle Wharf - S and R warehouses. Images of England. English Heritage.
• Details from listed building database (471327) - Grade II - Cardomon Building - H, I, J, K and VI warehouses. Images of England. English Heritage.