From Picture of Liverpool: Starnger's Guide written in 1834
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