The Greenwich Meridian
…where east meets west
| Location | England LB Tower Hamlets Poplar (E14) |
| Newport Avenue | |
| Distance (N) from Greenwich | |
| OS map details | OS Explorer: 162 |
| OS grid ref | TQ 38784.80630 (538784,180630) |
| WGS84 lat/long | 51.507565, -0.001627 |
| Type | Ground (line) | Ground (compass rose) | Road name |
| Marking date | 2000–01 |
| Access | Unrestricted |
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Currently viewing images from 13 Nov 2011
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11 Sep 2015 | 13 Nov 2011 | 12 Oct 2008 | 08 Feb 2008 | 09 Jan 2008 | 20 Dec 2007 | 31 May 2007 | 19 Nov 2006 | 15 Mar 2005 | 27 Oct 2001 | Oct 1997 | 1990s Model | 1987 Plan | 1940s |
Additional picture credits
Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners (1987 plan), Acanthus LW Architects (1990s model) & David Riddle (27 Oct 2001).After WW2, the Export Dock at the East India Docks was filled in and the Brunswick Wharf Power Station built. It ceased generating in 1984 and apart from the Switch House, was demolished in 1988–89. In 1987, the Richard Rogers Partnership drew up a masterplan for the area, which incorporated a ‘feature marking’ of the Meridian Line. This part of the site was later developed by Barratt Homes. The 1990s image set shows the model made by Acanthus LW Architects in which the proposed treatment of the Meridian Line can be clearly seen. In the event, the plans were altered, resulting in the marking that exists today. The first phase incorporating a short avenue of 30 trees ran south from Newport Avenue to the River Thames. Some of these subsequently died and were later replaced. The avenue ended with an area of circular paving containing a small compass pointer just short of the river. This was enhanced with a full compass rose in coloured paviers in 2008. The second phase dates from 2006 and extended the line northwards from Newport Avenue to Blackwall Way. It was further extended under the Docklands Light Railway in 2008. The line runs roughly two metres to the west of the Bradley Meridian. The majority of the bronze strip delineating the meridian between Newport Avenue and Blackwall Way was stolen in 2012.
In 2010, the Council proposed that the tree lined avenue should be given the name Prime Meridian Walk as the adjacent flats in Studley Court did not have an entrance onto a named road. Following a period of consultation, the walkway was renamed and a road sign erected.
History of the East India Docks