The industry gradually declined after the end of the war with the lifting of trade restrictions and the revival of the American industry. An independent whaling industry was also developing in Australia.
Gas emerged as an alternative source of lighting fuel. London concentrated on the Southern fishery, sending her last whale ship to the Arctic in 1835.
End of London's role
Enderby Brothers was wound up in 1854 following a disastrous attempt to set up a whaling base in the Auckland Islands, south of New Zealand. This marked the end of London’s history as a whaling port.
The British whaling industry revived again in the early part of the 20th century, but based on ports in other parts of the country.
Terrestrial hand globe. © NMM