Talk:Isle of Dogs
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Does anyone know the etymology of the Isle of Dogs? - David Stewart 11:05 9 Jul 2003 (UTC)
This is indeed a vexed question! There are those that maintain that it got its name from the King's kennels, which it is claimed were handy for the royal palace at Greenwich. Unfortunately this explanation is belied by the fact that there never were any kennels on the Island. Others say that the flotsam washed up by the entrance to Poplar Gut became a regular source of food for local cannines. Certainly the first reference is generally recognised as refering to the corner of the Island by Empire Wharf in a document refering to concerns that the Spanish Armade might sail up the Thames. The hope was they would be stopped before they got a chance to pillage Greenwich.
However the term I favour is that it refers to the number of dog tacks required to circumnavigate the Island. In days gone by, ships would stock up with victuals and other supplies in Deptford or Wapping before setting off on a long voyage. However sailing around the Island always proved difficult because no matter which quarter offered a fair wind, the ship would soon be sailing into the wind. Passengers would then journey to Blackwall to embark there after the boat had rounded the Island, and thus save themselves some time on board boat. Blackwall Stairs has been the kicking off point of a number of experditions, including that of the Virginia Invaders.