The Fast-Sailing Vessel Margaret

In the 19th century technical developments in the printing industry brought new typefaces which advertisers seized upon to create bold and eye-catching notices. Wood-block engraved illustrations were often used, if resources allowed.

Until the expansion of the railway system in the second half of the 19th century, fast sailing ships like the trader Margaret transported goods and passengers between London and other British and foreign ports. Ships were loaded and unloaded at the hundreds of small wharves and quays lining both banks of the Thames between the City of London and the Isle of Dogs (on the north side) and Bermondsey and Greenwich (on the south side).

This notice announces the arrival of The Margaret at Pickle Herring Upper Wharf and calls for goods and pasengers for the return voyage to Hartlepool on Friday 7 November 1845. Pickle Herring Wharf was on the south bank of the Thames opposite the Tower of London. It is unknown whether it owes its name to an early trade in pickled fish. However, it is certain that the name 'Pyckleeeherying' was in use by the 1550s.