London Photo, The Prospect of Whitby inn sign

License this photo for your own use

The Prospect of Whitby is one of the oldest pubs in London, and the oldest riverside inn still in existence. It was established in 1520 (when it was known as Devil’s Tavern) on the north bank of the Thames at Wapping. The most (in)famous patron of the Prospect of Whitby was Judge Jeffreys, the 'Hanging Judge' responsible for prosecuting rebels in the Monmouth Rebellion. Persistent legend says that Jeffreys would watch from the inn while his victims were tied to posts on the shore below, and left to be drowned by the rising tide. Unfortunately for legend, this story confuses the Prospect with Execution Dock at Wapping Old Stair. Writers Dickens and Pepys visited the inn, and Turner and Whistler are known to have painted the view from here.

All photos of London