THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
India was the jewel in the crown of the British Empire. Originally controlled by the East India Company it was taken over by the British Government in 1858. At its peak the Company had operated a huge fleet of ships from East India Dock to transport its goods, including tea and silk around the Cape to England. Some of the regeneration of the London Docklands between 1980 and 1995 extended into this East India Dock area with extensive luxury apartments and Financial District office blocks. Wealthy parents working in this area can send their children to a Nursery just to the left of this Meridian Marker. Many of the children are of immigrant origin as are the workers escorting them on their outing, reflecting the multi-ethnic basis of current British society including descendants of the former British Empire.