Millbank Pier (demolished)
Millbank Pier: A Historical River Landing Site
Millbank Pier (app GPS: 51.49144, -0.12539) was once a key part of the Thames' river transport system, nestled in the heart of Westminster, London. The pier played an important role in both passenger transport and the shipping of convicts from the infamous Millbank Prison to distant shores. Today, the area has undergone significant redevelopment, and the pier no longer exists, but its history remains a notable chapter in the story of London's river trade and penal history.The Location and History of Millbank Pier
Millbank Pier was positioned along the River Thames, near the area known as Millbank - just to the south of the Houses of Parliament and close to the Tate Britain. It sat between two other piers, Westminster Pier and Lambeth Pier, and was a strategic point for riverboat transportation.The pier itself was primarily used during the 19th and early 20th centuries, at a time when the Thames was a bustling artery for transport. It was well-connected to Westminster's key landmarks and was close to Millbank Prison, which would become one of its most significant historical associations.
Millbank Pier and the Transportation of Prisoners
One of the pier's most notable historical functions was as the departure point for convicts sent to Australia during the era of transportation. The prisoners who were held in Millbank Prison (opened in 1816 and closed in 1890) were often ferried from the prison to the waiting ships at Millbank Pier. These ships would take them to the penal colonies in faraway Australia, marking a grim chapter in Britain's colonial history.The pier served as the boarding point for prisoners, who were often loaded onto ships under the watchful eyes of guards. This process was part of the British Empire's extensive system of convict transportation, where thousands of individuals were sent abroad to serve their sentences in harsh and distant lands.
Was Millbank Pier a Public Pier?
Yes, in addition to its use for convict transportation, Millbank Pier also served as a public pier for riverboats. During the 19th century, riverboats were a popular and efficient form of transport on the Thames, and Millbank Pier was one of several docking points for passengers traveling along the river. While it may not have been as busy as Westminster Pier, the pier was an important part of the river transport system, providing access to the surrounding areas.However, as the river transport system modernized and other piers gained prominence, Millbank Pier eventually fell out of use for public transport.
The End of Millbank Pier
By the early 20th century, the importance of the pier began to diminish. It was eventually demolished, and the area was redeveloped for new purposes. Today, the location where Millbank Pier once stood is home to modern developments such as Millbank Tower and Tate Britain, which have transformed the area into a more residential and cultural district.While no visible remnants of the pier remain today, the historical significance of the site lives on, especially in relation to Millbank Prison and its role in convict transportation.
Millbank Pier Today
Today, there is no physical trace of Millbank Pier, as it was replaced by modern buildings and riverside developments. The area around Tate Britain and Millbank Tower now offers picturesque views of the Thames, with the Thames Path running alongside for public access. Nearby Westminster Pier and other Thames piers now handle most of the river traffic.Conclusion
Millbank Pier is now a footnote in London's rich history, but it played a significant role in both the penal system and the development of the Thames as a major route for transportation. Although the pier is no longer in use, it remains a fascinating part of London's river heritage, intertwined with the stories of the prisoners transported from Millbank Prison and the once-vibrant river transport network of the Thames.Quick Facts
- Location: Millbank, City of Westminster, London
- Active Years: 19th and early 20th centuries
- Main Use: Transport of passengers and convicts (especially to Australia from Millbank Prison)
- Nearest Landmarks: Tate Britain, Millbank Tower, Houses of Parliament
- Status: Demolished and redeveloped
- Current Use: Area redeveloped with residential and cultural buildings; no remnants of the pier remain
The historical Millbank Pier is 
on the Map of Millbank, London
Oil painting of Millbank Pier, London (View image in full size)