From Picture of Liverpool: Stranger's Guide written in 1834
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.