Columbia Wharf, Rotherhithe, Historic grain silo in Rotherhithe, England
Columbia Wharf is a former grain storage building on the south bank of the River Thames in Rotherhithe, with its industrial facade preserved. The structure now houses modern apartments while keeping its original brick and metal framework visible.
Built in 1864, this was the first grain storage facility of its kind established in a British port. Its construction marked an important shift in how London's docks handled bulk cargo on an industrial scale.
The building shows how London's dock areas shifted from purely industrial spaces into homes for residents. Its preserved exterior tells the story of a place where grain handling was once the main activity.
The building sits directly on Rotherhithe Street and is easily visible from the Thames. Visitors can view the exterior from the waterfront paths and street level, with good access to surrounding dock areas for exploration.
Inside the building, an original Victorian engine house and boiler room remain, showing the mechanical systems that once powered the grain operations. These spaces offer rare glimpses into how dock work functioned more than a century ago.
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