The late 19th century Port of London was a hub of commerce, and one of the wealthiest ports in the world. Around 150,000 workers and their families depended on the port for a living but work was casual so that every day men would go to the docks and compete to get a work ticket. Wages were low and the work was dangerous and physically taxing. Injury and disability was common.

Trade unions had begun to organise dock workers and on 14 August 1889 the dockers of The West India Dock Company began a strike to improve working conditions and pay. The strike was soon joined by workers on the Victoria and Albert, London, St Katherine’s, Millwall and Tilbury Docks. By 22 August the entire Port of London was at a standstill.

The dockers rallied support among the public for their cause by daily marches through the city. Commercial Road was the main route for taking goods from the docks to the city of London and was a convenient route for these marches.

The processions had a huge impact. They included model ships being hauled through the street and loud brass bands. Flags, banners and effigies of bosses were carried. Uniforms identifying the different trades of the men and carnival-like costumes of Father Neptune and Brittania were worn. A young civil servant described it as a sight “the citizens of London will not forget soon”. The processions even encouraged other workers to take strike action and join in.

The employers finally offered a deal that was acceptable to the dockers, ending the strike on 14 September. A mass victory march took place through the East End, rallying in Hyde Park.