Penarth Dock, South Wales - the heritage and legacy

Volume Two - The Era of Optimism, Investment & Development - Some broken records and repairs . . .

Some colourised enlargements of a postcard from my Penarth Dock Collection taken at the zenith of coal exports out of Penarth Dock during 1913. An unidentified ship is loaded at tip numbers 1 and 2 and is listing to starboard under the weight. The image highlights the problem with the aging Penarth Dock and its coal tip layout. The dock was designed with curvature and with fixed distance between the coal tips. This was fine in the days of sailing ships but as ships increased in size due to the advent of steam power, the length of the ship coupled with their multiple holds caused interference between tips and this situation was exacerbated at the zenith of the coal trade by the sheer number of ships which had to be loaded simultaneously. The moving tips on the other side of the dock allowed much improved flexibility and efficiency. [001]

The 'Darleydale' is moored abreast of the listing ship complicating the relocation of the ship to permit even loading. Note in the lower image that a ladder is leaning precariously against her bow - I think I'll find another way to board her if you don't mind! [001]

During February 2016 a gentleman named Derek Savage contacted me and commented:- 'I’m researching my family history and came across your excellent website. My great grandfather, Captain Payne of Hartlepool, used to transport coal from the ports of South Wales, including Penarth, across the world. Your picture of the Darleydale at Penarth was especially interesting as Captain Payne’s vessel, s.s. Mountby, once collided with it in southern Africa.'