1865 - No 24 - View from high ground at upper end of dock looking towards the sea. - A fine view through the lock and basin out to the Severn Sea beyond. Vessels are anchored in Penarth Roads awaiting their turn for loading at the Bute Docks. The enlargements below have been colourised. [599] [archive ref : DXPD-6-24] [20170904]

Soon they will enter the new Penarth Dock which will become the most efficient dock in the world for coal exportation in about 40 years time. A solitary gentleman contemplates the changes : -

"The Docks. - What a powerful instrument is money! It can level hills and raise valleys, and remove soil which has been accumulating for ages, and distribute it to the four winds. Men fight for it, work for it, steal for it, lie for it, and die for it. Money is a good servant, but a dangerous master.

Some ten years, on the present site of the Penarth Docks, stood a solitary house on the green sward, the favourite haunt of the noisy sea-gull, and pleasure seekers on holidays, where they used to climb the greasy pole and race in sacks, &c. On the margin of the water the shipbuilding yard of Mr. Cooper was situated, in which he built his tiny barks (barques); but all this has disappeared as if by magic.

On this identical spot massive walls have now been erected, and layer after layer of the soil has been excavated. Instead of the noise of the sea-bird, we hear nothing but the puffing and snorting of the iron horse, from early morn until dewey eve, and the noise of the artisans’ tools. The work is fast drawing towards completion, and in a short time the ships of all nations will be seen floating within the enclosure.” Cardiff Times [019] 9th September 1864.