These two graving docks are easily the oldest docks on the Mersey. They date from 1830, although they were modernised as part of a major programme lasting from 1928-33.
They are unusual in Liverpool in being dug partly from rock. Some of the masonry work is of unusually high quality even by Hartley's standards. They have stepped sides and granite barrel runs. The southern graving dock has two chambers.
The arrangement of a double half-tide entrance with a barge lock is similar to that at Princes except that here there is also a lock from the half-tide dock (Salisbury) to the fully-impounded one (Collingwood).
The system was built at a period of great prosperity and rapidly expanding commercial enterprise, during the Industrial Revolution. This complex is of exemplary design and construction and it was designed and built by Jesse Hartley.
The enclosed docks enabled ships to be unaffected by the rise and fall of the tide.
Restroom
Inside
Workshop
Inside
Dock offices
Inside
First Aid Room
Inside
They are unusual in Liverpool in being dug partly from rock. Some of the masonry work is of unusually high quality even by Hartley's standards. They have stepped sides and granite barrel runs. The southern graving dock has two chambers.
The arrangement of a double half-tide entrance with a barge lock is similar to that at Princes except that here there is also a lock from the half-tide dock (Salisbury) to the fully-impounded one (Collingwood).
The system was built at a period of great prosperity and rapidly expanding commercial enterprise, during the Industrial Revolution. This complex is of exemplary design and construction and it was designed and built by Jesse Hartley.
The enclosed docks enabled ships to be unaffected by the rise and fall of the tide.
Restroom
Inside
Workshop
Inside
Dock offices
Inside
First Aid Room
Inside