This film is part of Free
Tower Bridge Boats on Thames
Rare early glimpses of the Edwardian Thames at its busiest.
Overview
This precious film shows busy wharves and shipping in the Upper Pool of London, most of it probably shot from St. Olave's Church, Bermondsey, which was demolished in 1928. It opens by panning northwards along London Bridge - busy with horse-drawn traffic - looking to Cannon Street Station and Fishmongers' Hall beyond. Panning to the east, we glimpse Billingsgate Fish Market, Custom House and Brewers’ Quay.
The second section of the film was shot looking down from the City end of London Bridge. It pans around from Hay's Wharf to Tower Bridge, and then to the City waterfront. The main focus, however, is on the nearby jetty at Fresh Wharf, where two hydraulic cranes are busy discharging vessels.
Related
Circle of Confusion Circle of Confusion
Amateur film 1997 10 mins Silent Location: Tower Br
Surreal black and white film of London's many moving parts. Includes an extended ride on the DLR from the outer reaches to Tower Gateway
London tourist scenes & a house and garden in Bromley London tourist scenes & a house and garden in Bromley
Amateur film 1976 11 mins Silent Location: Tower Br
1970s Bromley is the venue for this enjoyable film from Tony Mitchell – with back garden frolics – in flares – as well as days out to London, Greenwich and Heathrow Airport
Father Thames Father Thames
Documentary 1935 17 mins Location: Thames Head
Swans, boats and bridges are celebrated by lyrical commentary and fine images in this delightful tour of the Thames from “trivial” beginnings to torrential end.
The Open Road The Open Road
Travelogue 2006 65 mins Location: Land's End
Startling colour photography of 1920s Britain imbues Claude Friese-Greene’s 1920s road trip around Britain.
Central London Traffic Central London Traffic
Government sponsored film 1956 12 mins Location: Soho
Traffic chaos and parking pandemonium in London is nothing new - as we see from this colourful 1950s research film shot around the capital.
Ten Bridges Ten Bridges
Documentary 1957 15 mins Location: London
A beautifully evocative three-mile glide along the Thames from bustling docks to bohemian Chelsea.
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.