London Odd History: Execution Dock

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May 5, 2025

London is filled with history, some pleasant and some not so pleasant. You don’t get to rule an empire by being soft. Execution Dock, located near Wapping High Street, just downriver from the Tower of London, is where those that ran afoul of the empire, where dealt with accordingly. Executioner’s Dock, is not marked with certainty today, but it was traditionally close to Wapping Old Stairs.

Who Was Executed

Pirates
Mutineers
Smugglers

These were criminals tried under Admiralty Law, and Execution Dock was under the jurisdiction of the Admiralty Court, not the common law courts.

Execution Process

The condemned were paraded from Marshalsea Prison or Newgate through the streets, escorted by maritime officials, including the High Court Admiralty Marshal.
The procession passed landmarks like Temple Bar, through East Smithfield, ending at Wapping.
The gallows were constructed in the river itself, below the high-water mark. This symbolized Admiralty authority over crimes committed at sea and their jurisdiction.

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Execution Dock

11 Pier Head, Wapping High Street, Tower Hamlets, London, E1W 1PN

Grim Tradition

After hanging, the bodies were left suspended until three tides had washed over them, one of the most macabre traditions in British punishment history.

To maximize suffering, executions at Execution Dock were carried out with a shortened rope. This reduced drop meant the condemned didn’t die instantly from a broken neck but instead endured a slow, agonizing death by strangulation. As they struggled, their limbs would twitch and jerk, a gruesome spectacle that onlookers grimly dubbed the “Marshal’s Dance.” That is a grim way to go, as intended.

Notable Executions

Captain William Kidd (1701). One of the most famous pirates executed here. Odd side note, Captain Kidd was believed to have inspired Treasure Island. In 1701, Kidd was convicted of piracy and murder and taken from Newgate Prison to be executed. In a macabre twist, the rope snapped during the first hanging attempt, he only died on the second try. His tarred body was then gibbeted in an iron cage along the Thames, where it remained on display as a grim warning to others, for over 20 years. No doubt this was received.

The exact number of people executed at Execution Dock in London is unknown, but hundreds of pirates, smugglers, and mutineers are believed to have been put to death there over the more than 400 years it was in use.

The final executions at Execution Dock took place on December 16, 1830, when George Davis and William Watts were hanged for piracy, marking the end of a bloody chapter in maritime justice.

Final Thoughts

Execution Dock - Town of Ramsgate pub next to the site

Execution Dock is a fascinating and often overlooked slice of London’s maritime history—perfect for travelers seeking something beyond the usual tourist trail. While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when exploring the city, its story makes perfect sense in the context of the era. One of the best ways to soak in the atmosphere is from the historic riverside pub right next to the old dock stairs. After all, who says you can’t enjoy a pint while diving into London’s darker past?

Happy travels

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Brett Williams Founder

Brett Williams, founder of Ylore Travel, has explored over 50 countries and lived in four, embodying his passion for travel and cultural immersion. His love for discovering new places and unique experiences inspired the creation of Ylore, making self-guided travel accessible to adventurers worldwide.

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