Life in the Victorian docks

London Museum Docklands — KS2

At our museum
  • A historical black and white photo showing a man carrying a large basket on his head in a busy street with horse-drawn vehicles and pedestrians.

    Paul Martin was the first photographer to roam around the streets of London for the purpose of showing 'life as it is'.

Autumn term 2024 – Summer term 2025

What was life like in the Victorian docks? We'll help you find out.

What can objects tell us about life in Victorian east London?

Explore real 19th century artefacts in this investigative object handling session.

Pupils will get hands-on with original tools, everyday household objects and photographs for a glimpse into jobs and living conditions for people who lived near the docks.

You'll also have a chance to find out more in our galleries, including a walk through our evocative recreation of 19th century Sailortown.

Key stage:
KS2
Curriculum:
KS2 History
Group size:
Group size of 35 with 3 groups per day
Duration:
60 min
Risk assessment:

Guidance to help create a risk assessment

Cancellations:

Free, but cancellation charges apply

Session availability

Sorry all sessions are booked, try another term?

Date Time
Wed 12 Mar 2025 10am – 1.15pm

Sorry all sessions are booked, try another term?

  • Dimly lit vintage station entrance with arched brickwork, labeled "The Three Drain Stationers," leading to a green wooden door.

    Experience the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian London in a recreation of a Wapping street.

  • Museum of London Museum of London Docklands. The museum building was originally the No. 1 Warehouse of the West India Docks. Opened in 1802, the West India Docks were London’s first enclosed dock system, built away from the open river on the Isle of

    Explore tales from the warehouse, a rare survivor of the old London docks, now at the heart of London Museum.

Need to know

Our address is London Museum Docklands, No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL. We're just a few minutes away from Canary Wharf and West India Quay.

Check our need to know page to get the answers to all the frequently asked questions about visiting, facilities and accessibility.

To book, please call the Box Office on 020 7001 9844. If you have difficulty using the telephone, please visit the museum accessibility page for assistance.

Please be aware that you are booking a timetabled package that includes set times for your session, self-directed gallery time and lunch tables for your group.

KS2 History: Beyond 1066 (Victorian); A local history study

Tags

London Museum Docklands Key Stage 2 (7-11)

Related galleries

  • London Museum Docklands

    Sailortown: 1840–1850

    Experience the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian London in a recreation of a street in Wapping

  • London Museum Docklands

    First Port of Empire: 1840–1880

    When London was at the centre of the British empire and world trade