Prince's Stairs

Prince's Stairs served as a vital transit point for centuries when the River Thames functioned as London's primary highway. In an era long before widespread road travel, these river stairs acted as a station for watermen who operated small rowing boats known as wherries. Travelers would arrive here to hire a boatman to row them across the water or to another set of stairs along the bank, much like people use bus stops today. Because the Thames is a tidal river, these stone stairs were essential infrastructure. They extended down into the mudflats, allowing passengers to step into boats safely regardless of whether the tide was high or low.