Prospect of Whitby c. 1890. © NMM

This is one of the most famous pubs in London. There has been a tavern on this site since 1520.

In the 17th century it had a reputation as a meeting place for smugglers and villains, and became known as 'Devil's Tavern'.

Famous customers included:

• Samuel Pepys (1633-1703) when he was on naval business in Wapping.
• Judge Jefferys (1648-89) watched the executions at the nearby Execution Dock from the pub balcony.
• Captain Kidd was executed nearby in 1701.
• Dickens, Whistler, Turner and Gustave Dore all allegedly visited the pub.
  

The riverside location meant its clientele included dockers, sailors, smugglers and pressgangs.

In 18th century a fire gutted the 'Devil’s Tavern', and it was rebuilt and renamed after the 'Prospect of Whitby'. The 'Prospect of Whitby' was a three-mast collier, built in 1777, which moored regularly outside the inn and became a local landmark.

The first fuschia cutting in Britain was allegedly bought in the pub. A local market gardener purchased it from a sailor for a nog of rum. The gardener went on to successfully grow and then sell the flowers.

Upstairs there used to be a cock pit and a bare knuckle-fighting ring.