Swan Draw Dock
Swan Draw Dock is on the northern shore of the River Thames in Hammersmith and Fulham, around 100 metres east of Putney Bridge. [1]
History
[edit]The site was used for a ferry running between Fulham and Putney from the early 1200s.
As a draw dock, it was used by boats and barges for repair and the unloading of Carrara marble and other loads.
The dock is named after the Swan Inn, located to the west of the dock (now Swan Bank Court sheltered housing) built or rebuilt in the 17th century but destroyed by fire in 1871 and was replaced by Swan Wharf Chambers. In the early 19th century, a malthouse was built at the rear of the inn. [2]
Nature reserve
[edit]The Swan Draw Dock Nature Reserve was established in 1994, jointly funded by the builders of the Carrara Wharf estate, Shell Better Britain, the Nature Conservancy Council and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. [3]
A footbridge over the dock forms part of the Thames Path riverside walk.
Repair
[edit]The eastern and northern walls of the draw dock were deemed to be at the end of their serviceable life in 2017. To ensure the flood protection of the Fulham community, they are currently under repair. The works started in March 2025 and continue until March 2027. They form part of the Thames Estuary 2100 Programme looking to ensure that tidal walls, embankments and barriers along the Thames Estuary continue to provide adequate protection from tidal flooding. [4]