Description and History of Site:-
Opened from Minories to Blackwall, 1840 and extended westwards to Fenchurch St Station, 1841.

Initially cable-operated with two 115 hp engines by Maudslay Son and Field at the Minories and two 75 hp engines by Horsley at Blackwall. Frequent breakages of hemp rope led to successful trial of wire-rope cables in 1841, first railway use.

Converted to locomotive haulage in February 1849 and gauge altered from 5 ft to standard.

Brick-arch viaduct, about 2½ miles long; runs from Fenchurch St station along north sides of Royal Mint St and Cable St, passing north of Regent's Canal Dock to just beyond West India Dock Rd. Girder bridges over principal streets. Restored as part of the conversion to carry the Docklands Light Railway. One of its arches, behind 600 Commercial Road, housed the first yard of George Cohen who went from old iron man to millionaire with the 600 Group of Companies.

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Key Words :- railway viaduct

Address :- London, Greater London
Grid Ref :- TQ 33835 80842
Co-ordinates :- Lat 51.510663 , Long -0.072813
Local Authority :- Tower Hamlets London Borough Council
Pre 1974 County :- Greater London Council
Site Status :- Listed - Grade II
Historic England List No - 1241666,
Site Condition :- Operational site, in use for original purpose
Record Date :- 2 June 2018

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