Outstanding Authentic 19th Century Antique Pub Sign Ð Prospect of Whitby Pub in London, England | This rare Tavern Sign is extremely well Painted and Preserved | From the oldest riverside tavern on the banks of the Thames River in London, England | The Prospect of Whitby is a historic tavern in London | Measures 32_ x 38_| The Prospect of Whitby is a historic public house on the banks of the Thames at Wapping in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. It is considered to be the site of the oldest riverside tavern, dating from around 1520. Wapping is a district in East London, England, in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. It is situated between the north bank of the River Thames and the ancient thoroughfare simply called The Highway. WappingÕs proximity to the river has given it a strong maritime character, which it retains through its riverside public houses and steps, such as the Prospect of Whitby and Wapping Stairs. History The tavern was formerly known as The Pelican and later as the DevilÕs Tavern, on account of its dubious reputation. It is situated next to the former Wapping Execution Dock. All that remains from the buildingÕs earliest period is the 400-year-old stone floor, and the pub features eighteenth century panelling and a nineteenth century facade. The pub has a pewter-top bar, and is decorated with many nautical objects. In former times it was a meeting place for sailors, smugglers, cut-throats and footpads. Sir Hugh Willoughby sailed from here in 1553 in a disastrous attempt to discover the North-East Passage to China. In the 17th century, it became the hostelry of choice of ÒHangingÓ Judge Jeffreys, scourge of the Monmouth Rebellion. He lived nearby and a replica gallows and noose hangs by the Thameside window, commemorating his custom. He was chased by anti-Royalists into the nearby Town of Ramsgate, captured and taken to the Tower for his own safety. According to legend, criminals would be tied up to the posts at low tide and left there to drown when the tide came in. Execution Dock was actually by Wapping Old Stairs and generally used for pirates. In the eighteenth century, the first fuchsia plant in the United Kingdom was sold at the pub. Views from the pub were sketched by both Turner and Whistler. The writers Charles Dickens and Samuel Pepys are known to have paused to sup here. Following a fire in the early 19th century, the tavern was rebuilt and renamed The Prospect of Whitby, after a Tyne collier that used to berth next to the pub. The ship took sea coal from Newcastle upon Tyne to London. The Prospect was listed as a Grade II listed building in December 1950. The pub underwent a renovation in 1951 to double the interior space. In January 1953, the pub was raided by armed robbers. The pub has been visited by Princess Margaret and Prince Rainier III of Monaco. On the opposite side of the road (Wapping Wall) is the Wapping Hydraulic Power Station, later an arts centre and restaurant. In popular culture The public house features briefly in an episode of Only Fools And Horses. When Uncle Albert goes missing in one episode, Del Boy and Rodney travel around London looking for him. Nicholas Lyndhurst is shown in one scene walking out of the pub. There is also a scene from the 1956 film D-Day the Sixth of June starring Robert Taylor and Richard Todd where TaylorÕs character is seen with Dana WynterÕs character having drinks together during the Second World War in London. In the comic book The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Mina Harker pauses in front of the public house and says it brings back memories. She is referring to the beaching of the Demeter at Whitby in the novel Dracula. This pub is also featured in VercorsÕs novel Les Animaux dŽnaturŽs (translated variously into English as You Shall Know Them, Borderline, and The Murder of the Missing Link). The pub also appears in Whitechapel, Series 4, Episode 4, where the body of a victim is discovered on the Thames shoreline. DS Miles briefly explains its history to DI Chandler. A photograph of the Malcolm Price Trio was taken inside the pub and featured on the front cover of their second LP, titled ÔWay Down TownÕ, in 1965. The pub is also reported to be the favourite pub of Squeeze member Chris Difford. In a May 2016 episode of BBCÕs EastEnders, the pub is mentioned during a scene featuring Barbara Windsor and Steve McFadden when their characterÕs Peggy and Phil Mitchell take a river cruise along the Thames. The pub is mentioned in Louis LÕAmourÕs novel ÒTo the Far Blue MountainsÓ. Dimensions: 32" H x 38" W x 2.5" Artist or Maker: Prospect of Whitby - Taylor Walker Co. Medium: Oil on Board Date: 19th Century Condition Report: Very Good Condition. Provenance: Includes a Certificate of Authenticity Dimensions: 32" H x 38" W x 2.5" Artist or Maker: Prospect of Whitby - Taylor Walker Co. Medium: Wood Date: 19th Century Condition Report: Very Good Condition. Provenance: Includes a Certificate of Authenticity

Very Good Condition