Proprietors of Hays Wharf

Sectors:

  • Transport services Port & harbour services
  • Transport services Road haulage, carrier & carting services
  • Transport services Ship towage, lighterage, stevedoring, etc, services
  • Transport services Warehousing & storage services

Notes:

Traced origins to 1651 when Alexander Hay leased a brewhouse on south side of Pool of London and subsequently developed a wharfinger's business. Mid 18th century Hay's Wharf passed to Humphery family sometime operating as J Humphery & Son. 1850s enclosed dock built. Wharf buildings destroyed in Tooley Street Fire of 1861. 1862 John Humphery joined with Hugh Colin Smilth, banker, and Arthur Magniac, of Jardine Matheson, to trade in partnership as The Proprietors of Hay's Wharf, later incorporated and converted to a public company. Business expanded rapidly and subsequently adjoining wharves between London Bridge and Tower Bridge acquired. An extensive lighterage business, trading initially as J Arthur Humphery and later Humphery & Grey (Lighterage) Ltd, and cartage business, later known as Hay's Wharf Cartage Co, were developed. Late 19th century diversified into cold storage. 1920 acquired Pickfords Ltd haulage business. Post 1960s traditional business declined and 1987 acquired by St Martin's Property Group which redeveloped wharves as offices and flats

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