Blue plaque № 59431

“Hay's Galleria In the mid 1850's, following the steady rise of the River Thames as the commercial lifeline of the City of London, Sir William Cubitt was commissioned to build a new wharf around an enclosed dock. Ships from all over the world visited the new Hay's Wharf but the most beautiful were the tea clippers from India and China. By the end of the century, over 80% of perishable foodstuffs passed through the area which became known as the "Larder of London". The great Hay's Wharf complex has been carefully restored to its former glory and those who visit the Galleria today stand on the same spot where the tall tea clippers edged their way into the dock 150 years ago. London Bridge City ”