One of London's oldest pubs has a history filled with stories of smugglers, pirates, and criminals

The Prospect of Whitby in Wapping, London, was once the favoured haunt of smugglers, pirates, and criminals.

Originally known as 'The Pelican', a pub has stood on the site since the 1500s, with its riverside location making it an easy location for smugglers and pirates to visit. And for local thieves targeting the boats moored in the surrounding areas.

During its early years, the pub was known locally as the 'Devil's Tavern' due to its reputation. While the pub was certainly popular within the criminal community, the nearby riverbank would prove, for some, to be their final resting place.

In the 17th century, numerous criminals were hanged along the riverside, with this piece of gory history now commemorated with a noose and gallows outside the pub.

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The history of the Pelican is not all doom and gloom though, as it was also the site at which the first fuschia plant in the UK was sold.

Things took a turn for the better for the Pelican in the 19th century. Following a fire that destroyed the property, it was rebuilt and renamed. The name change was inspired by a cargo ship called The Prospect that would regularly be moored on the riverside and was registered in Whitby.