The Custom House, 1886.

Repro ID: H1061

Description: The Custom House in the City of London, in a photograph from 1886. The picture was taken from one of the wharves on the south bank of the Thames, and there are several lighters and barges in the foreground. The structure shown above was built by David Laing between 1813-16, with the facade rebuilt by Robert Smirke in 1827. The Custom House processed documents on cargos and would levy the appropriate customs duties - special taxes on imported goods. Customs duties formed an important part of government revenue for centuries.

Creator: Thacker

Date: 1886

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London. Thacker Collection.