1979 - Penarth Dock south side complete with the remains of the 1865 arched masonry piers made of Radyr stone which were the base for the coal tipping hoists. Note the gentle curvature of the dock, as designed by John Hawkshaw, a feature which permitted the bow of one ship to tuck in behind the stern of the ship at the adjacent tip. At least it did in 1865 but alas, technological development of the steam engine as well as iron and then steel ship construction, permitted longer and longer ships to be built. Within twenty years or so the fixed distances between these tips hindered access and egress of vessels, adversely affected efficiency of tipping as well as limiting the physical length of the ships which could be serviced.
This wonderful photograph is part of a collection by Mary Gillham. 'Dr Mary Gillham MBE (1921 – 2013) was a pioneering female naturalist and prolific wildlife author, who took an active interest in our natural heritage for over 50 years. In 1959 she was part of the first Antarctic expedition to include women, and in 2008 she was awarded an MBE for services to nature conservation. She spent many years educating people about their natural heritage, as a lecturer for Cardiff University, and campaigned tirelessly for nature conservation throughout her life.' [048] [634] [635] [20180209]
Many thanks to Alan Reeve at the South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre (SEWBReC) - www.sewbrec.org.uk - for permission to use this image on the Penarth Dock website.
