The movement and delivery of goods from and to the wharves, docks and warehouses of London also necessitated a large workforce.
At first the transportation of goods was carried out by horse and cart and canal barge. Later the development of railways and lorries accelerated the process.
The Royal Victoria Dock was the first in London to be directly connected with the national railway system. This meant that imported goods could be moved around the country faster than before.
Lorries also became a regular feature of the port. Many of the larger shipping companies had their own fleet of vehicles.
Shown here is a Union Castle lorry parked alongside the Kenya Castle at the King George V Dock.
Although motor vehicles gradually took over, horse-drawn wagons loaded with goods from the docks were a regular sight in the streets of maritime London well into the 20th century.
Tea being delivered from Hay's Wharf bonded warehouse. © NMM
