From Picture of Liverpool: Strangers Guide written in 1834
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