The White Hart Tavern
Watercolour by J.T. Wilson depicting The White Hart Tavern. 1868
This riverside scene features the White Hart Tavern, a two-storey building nestled among trees on the foreshore. The tavern’s upper floor has three windows, while the ground floor includes an arched doorway, with steps leading to the river, and two windows, above which hangs a red sign reading “BOATS TO LET”.
In the foreground, several boats float on the calm water, one carrying four figures approach the mooring area of the tavern where another figure is helping them disembark. To the right of the tavern stands another structure with a fenced area, adding depth and context to the setting.
The White Hart Tavern was an Historic Public House, est. c. 1600. It was a well-known riverside inn, reputedly frequented by King Charles II during his more jovial moods. According to historical accounts, the king narrowly escaped an assassination attempt while staying here—Colonel Blood, later infamous for attempting to steal the Crown Jewels, had plotted to kill him nearby but relented at the last moment.
The tavern served as a vital social and commercial hub for centuries, with records of licensees and residents spanning from 1822 to the late 19th century. It was rebuilt between 1934 and 1935.
Artist Biography
J. T. Wilson (active 1856–1882) A British watercolourist known for his detailed depictions of London and the surrounding countryside, J. T. Wilson exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy and Suffolk Street Galleries during the mid to late 19th century. His works often feature civic landmarks, village squares, and public houses, rendered with architectural precision and atmospheric charm.
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