Trade Expansion 1600 -1800 at Museum of London Docklands

London's expanding port and the growth of mercantile wealth between the 16th and 18th Centuries are the focus of this gallery. The formation of trading companies such as the East India Company, Muscovy Company and the Africa Company are explored here, as are the 'Legal Quays' established by Elizabeth 1 in 1558, for the collection of customs dues on cargoes. Displays include the building of London's first wet docks at Rotherhithe for the whaling trade; the landing of East India cargoes at Blackwall; shipbuilding and related riparian industries; together with displays on visitors from overseas such as Pochohantas and Prince Lee Boo. A touch-screen journey to China aboard the East Indiaman Falmouth introduces the concept of world trade, navigation and the perils of merchant voyages.