I received a phone call from a shipping acquaintance to ask if I would offer a few anecdotes to the author of a forthcoming book on the London Docks. I worked in the docks in the early 1960's so was happy to oblige.As it was written by a woman I was sceptical about the book before I had read it. Not because I am sexist but because the docks were manned by men for the greatest part. As I was reading the book I quickly realised that here was someone who had a passion for the Thames and its docklands
history of two thousand years. I thought I was passionate about them but my passion was contemporary and I wished I had this book to read back then.
It is researched by someone who has highlighted the important events from the mundane which must have been some task considering the timespan covered.
It is also written with great compassion for those whose lives which were drastically changed during the great upheavals that occurred. It is the human perspective that gripped me as well as the genesis of the names of various well known landmarks. Many of which were unknown to me.She brought them to life.
The reader is transported to these events by Fiona's lively but accurate imagination. Although nearly half a century has passed since I knew that lost world
my memories have been greatly enriched by having read this book.
My contribution is a drop in the ocean to the rest of the story. I feel as though I should declare it though as Fiona's integrity shines throughout and I would not wish to compromise it.
In conclusion; for someone who worked and knew that world I would not hesitate to urge those interested to read this volume for a brilliant overall portrayal from Roman times to the recent developements ,of the lost landmarks, lost communities and lost language of our capital city's greatest asset . The docks and wharves which established its fame and history.