Volume One - Into the Victorian Age - The dock extension of 1883 . . .

The Penarth Dock Extension Works was commenced on Monday, and will be proceeded with all possible despatch. Mr. Walker is the contractor, who is just completing the new docks at Swansea, and Mr. H. O. Fisher has been appointed resident engineer.

The electric light has been again used at the dock gates, and gives great satisfaction in the working of ships in and out of dock at night. We hear that the dock company intend erecting two more lights."

Working at the extension works was not without injury and death as the following reports illustrate:

"Penarth - A Chapter of Accidents - No less than three accidents occurred at the Penarth dock extension works on Tuesday. The first was a boy, named Jonah Cooke, who was employed for the purpose of greasing the earth wagons, and when about his work on some wagons that were standing on the line, they bumped together, and jammed his hand, severely injuring it.

The next was to a man, named Thomas Jones, a fitter's labourer, who was at work assisting in erecting a new pumping engine, and while in a stooping position was struck on the back with a large stone, thrown up by a charge of dynamite, used for rock-blasting, at the works. The man was from 80 to 100 yards off, and was very badly injured. He was immediately taken to the infirmary by a special locomotive engine, where he is reported to have since died.

The other case was that of Thomas James, a labourer, employed on the foundation work of the dock. He was standing on the top ground, near where the earth had been excavated for laying the foundation, and was accidentally struck down by a steam crane at work, when swinging round, and fell a considerable depth. He was also conveyed to the Cardiff infirmary by a special engine." Cardiff Times [019] 1st July 1882.

"Penarth - Accident to a Guard - John Griffiths, a guard in the employ of Mr. T. A. Walker, contractor of the Penarth Dock extension, when at work on one of the ballast trains, on Tuesday, fell on the rails, and several empty trucks passed over him. The poor fellow was so severely injured that it is feared that one of his legs will have to be amputated. He was at once conveyed to the Cardiff Infirmary by a special engine." Cardiff Times [019] Christmas Eve, 24th December 1881,