From Picture of Liverpool: Stranger's Guide Written in 1834
The Dry Dock
A few years ago this dock was repaired, when new walls were erected a little further back than where the original ones stood. The west side is 150 yards in length. On the west side are Nos 1, 2 and 3 Graving Docks, which communicate with this and are used for the repairing of vessels. The shipping which frequent this dock are chiefly employed in the coasting trade, and import corn and other productions peculiar to this kingdom and in return take the various foreign products brought into this port. About five years since, the buildings which occupied the east side of this dock, as well as the whle of those situate on the west side of Strand-street, were entirely removed
George's Dock
The first stone of this dock was laid on the 1st of April 1767, and the whole expense amounted to £21,000. About nine years ago it was repaired, and considerably enlarged, being carried 21 and a half yards further to the west. At the south end it comminicates with the Dry Dock by means of an entrance 110 yards long, the gates of which are 25 feet deep, and 36 feet wide, and those at the north end are 29 feet deep, and 42 feet wide. In length it was 246 yards, and in width 100 yards, including an area of 26,068 square yards. On the east side stands a magnificent pile of warehouses, having an extensive piazza for the convenience of foot passengers. The quay-room surrounding the dock is is spacious, and on the western side are sheds, by which goods may be prevented from sustaining injury by the rain. The Basin is situate on the north, and it's dimensions are at the south end 163 yards in length, the east and west sides are each 112 yards long, and the north end 154 yards. To the south of George's Pierhead is the Manchester Dock, which belongs to the Mersey and Irwell company, and is appropriated to the reception of flats emplyed in the carrying of various products of many of the adjacent counties
Prince's Dock
The stability and beauty of the architecture displayed in the construction of this dock calls for the admiration of every judicious observer. The foundation stone was laid on the 17th May 1816, and it was opened on the 19th of July 1824, the same day that the ceremony of the coronation of the late King George IV was performed. On this occasionthe numerous bodies of artisans belonging to the town were assembled on the adjoining quays, accompanied by bands of music, and those of each trade having banners, decorated with their peculiar devices. The first vessel admitted was the May, a Liverpool built ship, whose entrance was announced by a salute of nineteen guns, amidst the joyous acclamations of an imense concourse of spectators, who afterwards in procession preambulated some of the principal streets of the town, and spent the remainder of the day in joy and festivity.
The length of the dock from north to south is 500 yards, and the average width from east to west is 110 yards, containing an area of abut 54,000 square yards. The total expense has been estimated at £650,000. At each end there is a dwelling house, with appropriate offices, designed for the use of the dock-masters. There are two entrances, one from George's Dock Basin at the south, the gates of which are 45 feet wde, and 34 feet deep, and another at the north end whose gates which are 45 feet wide, and 34 feet deep, and another at the north end, whose gates are of the same dimensions. Each of these passages is furnished with a lock, so framed as to admit vessels either in or out at half-tide. This dock and it's quays are emclosed with high brick walls, having gates at the north and south ends, and on the east side.
Between the western wall and the river is the Marine Parade, which is 750 yards long, and 11 yards broad, and protected on the side next to the water with a stone wall about a yard high. There are also three flights of steps down to the river for the convenience of the passengers who may land or embark at any state of the tide. At high water this forms one of the most varied and delightful marine promenades in the world
The Basin belonging to the Prince's Dock is situate at the northern end, the north and south sides of which are 140 yards each, the east end extends 130 yards, and the west end 138 yards
The Clarence Dock
This dock, which is the last in the north of the town was opened on the 16th of September 1830, and consists of a principal dock, 250 yards long, 135 yards broad at the north end , and 111 yards broad at the south end with a Basin 160 yards by 100 yards, between it and the river, furnished with gates, by means of which vessels may be admitted inwards and outwards at half-tide. The stone of which the walls are formed is of the most durable quality, and the masonry surpasses that of most works of this description. On each side of the passage two beautiful circular offices have been erected supplied with windows on all sides, through which a complete view is obtained of every part of the docks and the quays. A lofty and spacious shed extends the entire length of the eastern side and the whole of these works on the north, east, and south sides, is immured by a strong and high wall. The arrangement and completion of this dock reflects the greatest credit on the surveyor Mr J Hartley
Between this and the Princes Dock Basin are three other intended wet docks, with an extensive Graving dock, which is to be supplied with patent slips. These works are in an advanced state and are expected to be finished within a short period
Each of the pier heads is supplied with flights of broad and commodious steps, desinged for tyhe convenience of persons landing from or embarking on the various vessels which are constantly entering or leaving this port. Since the application of steam to navigation the intercourse between this town and Cheshire, as well as the different harbours of Wales, Ireland and Scotland, has been increased in an extraordinary degree. The perpetual throng occasioned by the influx and efflux of passengers is truly astonishing
The liberal spirit on all occasions manifested by the Corporation and Dock Trustees, in the providing of every accomodation for all those who may frequent this harbour, is deserving of the highest commendation.
To prevent the docks from being choked up by constant accumulation of slime brought in by the tide, it is requisite that they should be regularly cleaned. Formerly this was effected by a great number of men, who removed the sludge by means of spades, on which occasions the water was excluded from the dock: but within a few years past a dredging machine has been used for this purpose, and is found to be much more effectual and expeditious. It is worked by a steam engine of ten-horse power, and possesses this great advantage over the former method, - that it is not necessary to let the water out of the dock during the time of removing the mud.
The consequence of a fire breaking out among the shipping might prove most destructive. For this reason several severe regulations have been adopted, which have hitherto produced the greatest advantage to the community; yet not -withstanding the most inflexible enforcement of the various penalties from the offending parties, scarcely a day passes by without some instances of obstinacy or negligence. To have gunpowder on board subjects the master a penalty of £5, and to have any combustible material, either on the deck or the quay, renders an offender laible to a fine of the same amount. To have a fire on board a vessel, or a lighted candle , except protected by a lantern, and in the presence of a custom-house officer, is punishable by a fine of £10, and to smoke tobacco incurs a penalty of £2
The Salthouse Dock
The form of this dock is rather irregular, being on the east side 297 yards, at the south end 80 yards, on the north end about 150 yards, and together with it's passage, comprising an area of 23,025 yards. It was opened in the year 1753, and took it's name from an adjacent salt-work, at that time situate on the site now occupied by Orford street, but since moved to Garston. On the east side is a range of extensive warehouses, under the front part of which is a piazza, for the accomodation of persons passing along the street. The vessels that usually lie in this dock are chiefly employed in the Levant, the Irish and coasting trade. The gates are 23 feet deep and 34 feet wide. A few years since several buildings which stood at the north end were removed, thereby giving a considerable increase of quay-room. It is the intention of the corporation to enlarge this dock: and also lying on the west, which at present appropriated to various yards belonging to ship-builders is intended to be formed into a dock for the reception of vessels employed in the carrying or inland trade.
The King's Dock
To the north of the Queens Dock is the King's Dock, which was opened on the 3rd of October 1788, having cost £25,000. The first two vessels that entered it were the Amphrite and the Hannah. All ships laden with tobacco are obliged to discharge their cargoes here, in order to be deposited in the Tobacco Warehouse, which is situate on the west side. This dock extends from north to south 270 yards, and from east to west 95 yards and is surrounded by a spacious quay, with sheds for the discharging of tobacco. The entrance is from the basin to the south side, where are strong gates 28 feet deep and 42 feet wide, and a neat swivel, crosses this entrance. In this dock a Floating Chapel has been moored for several years, and is appropriated for the use of sailors, and divine service is performed every Sunday.
The Queen's Dock
This dock, which cost £35,000, was opened on 17th April 1796, and the first vessel that entered it was the American Brig Baltimore. The gates are 42 feet wide, and 28 feet deep, and over the entrance is a handsome cast iron swivel bridge. Shipping freighted with timber, and Baltic and Dutch vessels, chiefly frequent this dock. The length of the east side is 460 yards, and that on the west side is 435 yards; the north end measures 110 yards, and the south end 90 yards. On the south end and on the east and west sides, are commodious sheds for the protection of goods from the inclemencies of the weather at the time of loading or discharging.
The quay is very extensive, and between it and the river are nos 4 & 5 Graving Docks, each 170 yards in length, and admirably contrived for the building and repairing of ships. These docks communicate with the King's Dock Basin and by means of sluices in the gates, can be left dry when required for the purposes of ship building
The Brunswick Dock
This dock is situate in Queen Anne street South and is intended to be the last that shall be built on the south part of the town It is designed chiefly for the use of shipping employed in the timber trade, and is of greater dimensions than any other dock that has hitherto been constructed here It is likewise to be furnished with two graving docks The east and west sides measure each 430 yards, and the north and south ends extend 140 yards each. The Half-Tide basin is to the north of this dock and communicates with it and the Queen's Dock. It's dimensions are 120 yards by 108 yards. The Brunswick Dock Basin is connected with this on the west and the north and south sides are each 200 yards long and the east and west sides are each 120 yards long
Caryl Williams www.old-liverpool.co.uk Old Liverpool 1998-2008