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Why is Canary Wharf called Canary Wharf?

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You probably know that Canary Wharf is London’s second most important financial district, after The City. But do you know why Canary Wharf is called Canary Wharf? Well…. it’s bananas, you see.

And tomatoes, too.

Yup, bananas (and tomatoes, and potatoes).

Let’s backtrack a bit.

What is Canary Wharf?

Canary Wharf is part of London Docklands, the area of the former docks of the Port of London. This stretches from St Katherine docks (by the Tower of London) to North Woolwich, and also encompasses Rotherhithe on the south bank of the Thames.

This 1882 map covers the part of Docklands that is north of the Thames. Canary Wharf roughly covers the area around West India Docks/ South Docks.

The docks were built between 1696 and 1921, and were in use until the late 60s/ late 70s. After the docks closed down, the area stood largely derelict, until a vast regeneration plan began in 1981.

The Port of London was at one time the largest port in the world, trading far and wide. The Canary Wharf name is a throwback to trade with one specific location: the Canary Islands.

How did the trade with the Canary Island start?

Between the wars, the Canary Islands were an important stop for ships on the way to America. This is where they would get refuelled with coal before crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The coal was brought in from the UK, which meant the ships were empty on the way back. Until, that is, an enterprising businessman started bringing in local produce (bananas, and potatoes, and tomatoes) on the way back. In time, coal usage declined, but the trade in fruits and vegetables grown on the islands had by then become big business.

When did the area become known as Canary Wharf?

The name Canary Wharf first appeared in 1937. It was the nickname of warehouses that were built around berth No. 32 on one of the docks for a subsidiary of Fred Olsen & Co, a Norwegian shipping company. Berth No. 32 was the unloading spot for the Canary Island bananas (and potatoes, and tomatoes). The nickname stuck, and when the area was redeveloped in the 1980s, it became the name for the whole area.

So there you have it: why Canary Wharf is called Canary Wharf.

And Fred Olsen & Co still exists, and their ships still travel to the Canary Islands, although now they transport passengers on cruises, rather than cargo.



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If you enjoyed this, please like or share. Thank you!