On Monday 23rd September – Londoner’s (or anyone in the vicinity) – were treated to a rare sight on the River Thames that afternoon, when Tower Bridge was raised to allow a Spanish Galleon to sail through – and then moor up in St. Katherine’s Dock.
The “Galeon Andalusia” is a replica of a historically famous 15th century vessel that was one of the galleons used by the Spanish to explore the America’s and Asia, and then for 3 centuries, transport merchants / seamen and traders to those continents.
This magnificent 162ft (49m) long & 33ft (10m) wide, 500 ton replica galleon was built at the Punta Umbria shipyard in Spain.
These historic galleon merchant ships were the longest in terms of both length and duration at sea – than any other ships in maritime history – and they paved the way for forming established trading routes between Spain, the Americas and the Philippines – that were then adopted by other sea faring nations.
The “Galeon Andalusia” replica was launched in 2009 and since then it has notched up 70,000 nautical miles around the world’s oceans and seas. Throughout its travels it has moored up in hundreds of ports across 4 continents, and has been boarded by thousands of visitors/sightseers.
Europe has been the last leg of this magnificent vessels’ ‘tour’, and its already visited France – Germany and the Netherlands – and London its final destination.
With the Galeon Andalucia being moored up in St.Katherine’s Dock – it gave the great British public the opportunity to climb on board and sample what life would have been like on the high seas.
Sadly, its stay in London is short lived, only for a week or so, up until the 6th October – when she then sails off into the sunset, to journey back home to Spain.
So – not wanting to miss out on experiencing this unique visitor to London – my London Shoes quickly got into ‘Captain Jack Sparrow’ mode – legged it down to St. Katherine’s Dock (right next to Tower Bridge) – climbed the gangplank – spliced the main brace – shivered me timbers – checked that the sun was over the yard arm – hoisted the Jolly Roger – said ahoy to all me hearties – and proceeded to have a good old nosy around the 6 decks of this amazing vessel, and really interesting it was too – very educational.
Having spent an hour or so on-board, I just so happened to be back on the main deck when I spotted something in the distance – and it wasn’t a case of ‘land ahoy’ it was ‘pub ahoy’.
A few yards away from the Galeon Andalucia, on the ‘banks’ of St. Katherine’s Dock, I spotted “The Dickens Inn” – an ideal place for a bit of the old ‘yo ho ho and a bottle of rum’ (well – a pint of lager in this case).
So – having walked down the gang plank – I found headed towards The Dickens Inn, a long standing and extremely popular London pub landmark.
This legendary 3 storey London Docklands boozer is believed to have been built way back in the 1700’s. It started life as a warehouse and was later converted into a Tavern.
In the 1970’s it underwent a massive refurb, and it is said that a number of its original architectural fixtures/fittings, particularly wooden beams and stuff like that, were used in the re-build.
Anyway – it’s the first time my London Shoes had ever stepped foot in this very popular rub-a-dub, very impressive it was too – so having enjoyed a cheeky couple of ‘tots’ of ‘grog’ in there, it was a perfect ending to an enjoyable couple of hours out.
Hope you enjoyed the photos.
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See below, the entire gallery of photos taken to accompany this blog article
Tower Hill tube station – on the District and Circle Lines – the nearest station to St. Katherine’s Dock
St. Katherine’s Dock is situated right next door to Tower Bridge on then northern banks of the River Thames
Entry to St. Katherine’s Dock – the mooring place of the ‘Galeon Andalucia’ during its brief visit to London
The “Galeon Andalusia” – moored up in St.Katherine’s Dock – London E1
The “Galeon Andalusia” is a replica of a historically famous 15th century vessel that was one of the galleons used by the Spanish to explore the America’s and Asia, and then for 3 centuries, transport merchants / seamen and traders to those continents
This magnificent 162ft (49m) long & 33ft (10m) wide, 500 ton replica galleon was built at the Punta Umbria shipyard in Spain.
Galleon merchant ships like the ‘Galeon Andalucia’ were the longest in terms of both size and duration at sea – than any other ships in maritime history – and they paved the way for forming established trading routes between Spain, the Americas and the Philippines
Getting ready to board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’
Punters climbing the gangplank to board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’
London Shoes on board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’
Scenes from on board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’ – in St.Katherine’s Dock
Me – on board the ‘Galeon Adalucia’ – St.Katherine’s Dock – London E1
The Spanish flag flying proudly onboard the ‘Galeon Andalucia’ – while it was moored at St. Katherine’s Dock – London E1
One of the Spanish crew working on board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’ – in St.Katherine’s Dock
Scenes from on board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’ – in St.Katherine’s Dock
On board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’
On board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’
Me – on board the ‘Galeon Adalucia’ – St.Katherine’s Dock – London E1
On board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’
On board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’
On board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’
On board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’ – with Tower Bridge in the distance
On board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’ – looking down on St’Katherine’s Dock
Me – on board the ‘Galeon Adalucia’ – St.Katherine’s Dock – London E1
The capstan on the main deck of the ‘Galeon Andalucia’
On board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’
The Captain’s quarters – below deck on board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’
The Captain’s bedroom bedroom – below deck on board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’
One of the many cannons below deck on board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’
A capstan below deck on the ‘Galeon Andalucia’
A photo of the ‘Galeon Andalucia’ on the high seas – on display below decks
A photo of the ‘Galeon Andalucia’ on the high seas – on display below decks
Grain and other cereal foods – would have been the staple daily diet for the crew onboard the ‘Galeon Andalucia’, back in the ships heyday
A crewman’s hearty meal – below decks on board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’
Just some of the many ‘trinkets’ (souvenirs of its travels) on display throughout the ‘Galeon Andalucia’
On board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’
Views of St. Katherine’s Dock from onboard the ‘Galeon Andalucia’
On board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’
On board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’
Me – on board the ‘Galeon Adalucia’ – St.Katherine’s Dock – London E1
On the main deck of the Galeon Andalucia I spotted something in the distance – and it wasn’t a case of ‘land ahoy’ it was ‘pub ahoy’.
Extremely popular 3 storey “The Dickens Inn” – a famous London Docklands boozer – is believed to have been built way back in the 1700’s. It started life as a warehouse and was later converted into a Tavern.
In the 1970’s The Dickens Inn underwent a massive refurb, and it is said that a number of its original architectural fixtures/fittings, particularly wooden beams and stuff like that, were used in the re-build
Inside The Dickens Inn – St. Katherine’s Dock
Inside The Dickens Inn – St. Katherine’s Dock
Inside The Dickens Inn – St. Katherine’s Dock
Inside The Dickens Inn – St. Katherine’s Dock
Inside The Dickens Inn – St. Katherine’s Dock
Inside The Dickens Inn – St. Katherine’s Dock
Inside The Dickens Inn – St. Katherine’s Dock
A cheeky ‘tot of grog’ – just begging to be consumed – in The Dickens Inn – St. Katherine’s Dock – London E1
Having swash buckled the high seas on board the ‘Galeon Andalucia’ – it was time for London Shoes to enjoy a refreshing ‘tot of grog’ in The Dickens Inn – St. Katherine’s Dock-London E1
It’s was at Greenwich last autumn, all the local spanish families turned out to visit.
Interesting gangplank, gave me the right willies?
Looks amazing.
Nice one Captain Pugwash
Great read. We went on this galleon a few years ago in Alicante. Very interesting and we got a free beer. Love the old pub too, have been in there on the odd occasion 😀.
Fantastic
Fantastic photos, love old ships, thanks Geoff 😀
We were on St.Katherine Dock on Sunday morning…. unfortunately the queues were horrendous and already masses were on board shuffling along. It looked like the visit had been extended until the 13th Oct. The Dickens Inn was a regular haunt when I worked at Royal Mint Court.
Thanks for that interesting ‘nautical’ Shoes blog, I wish I’d known about the galleon coming up the Thames, that would have been a sight worth seeing. A very enjoyable read as always,