Knocker White was built for Harrison's (London) Lighterage Ltd in 1924 by T Van Duijvendijk at Scheepswerk Lekkerkek, Netherlands. She was launched on May 23, 1924, and named "Carnrock". With her tall funnel and high wheelhouse the Knocker White is typical of the many tugs that were seen on the river in the early 20th century.She was designed for general towing work on the river and her funnel could be lowered to enable her to pass under bridges. In the early 1960's she was acquired by the Rotherhithe based company W.E.White & Sons (Towage)Ltd. and given her present name ( Which was reputedly the nickname of one of the White family ). Her original steam engines were replaced by Petter Diesel engines and alterations were made to the wheelhouse. In November 1982 she was sold for scrap and parts of her engines were removed. She was acquired by the London Museum of Docklands in 1984. The 'Knocker White' along with a smaller tug 'Varlet', have now moved from the Museum to a new home at Trinity Buoy Wharf , East London: where they are being lovingly whipped back into ship shape.. Well things are not always what they appear ! You thought this photo was about the tugboat.. Well it is mostly. But to the right of the image you can see a bell.. Named "Time and Tide Bell" it is the Brainchild of Sculptor Marcus Vergette, this eye-catching 3 metre double bell is the third in a planned series of 12 bells at widespread locations throughout the UK. Based on a new and highly original design developed by Marcus and Dr Neil McLachlan, the bell is rung by the river to mark each new high tide, and uniquely, from just one strike, the bell sounds different notes one after the other to form a rich melody. I was lucky enough to hear it ring when i was here taking this photo... <a href="http://www.trinitybuoywharf.com/whats-on/event/time-and-tide-bell" rel="nofollow">Text edited from this site</a>

Knocker White ( Nickname origins ) A Miller's assistant. The assistant's job was to ensure the various hoppers and chutes were free-flowing and clear and would therefore knock all the accumulated flour away to allow it to flow without blocking. His day normally ended with him being white from head to toe from being covered in flour hence the nickname.