Volume Nine - Pre-Victorian to the present day - even more aspects - The Custom House and Dock Offices . . .

We commence in 1864 since I am unable to find documentation predating this:-

• April 1864 - Penarth Head Inn. - 'This old house will be demolished to make room for the entrance of the new dock. The new house will be built on the slope of the hill in the form of a terrace. This situation is a pleasant one - commanding an extensive view of Cardiff and the Bristol channel, &c. - Several new houses are now in the course of erection, and Mr. Alderman Watkins is about enlarging his house.' - Cardiff Times [019] [361] 22nd April 1864.

• June 1864 - Penarth - 'Contracts were recently let for several large buildings in Penarth, among them a hotel to make up at least 100 beds; also for a Custom-house, Dock-office, Harbour Master's house, twenty sets of merchant's offices, and 100 cottages. These and other enterprises are projected in view of the rapid approach to completion of the new dock.' - Cardiff Times [019] [361] 3rd June 1864.

• September 1864 - Penarth - The Dock Offices. - 'At present workmen are busily employed in laying the foundation of the new buildings.' - Cardiff Times [019] [361] 9th September 1864.

The following pages are taken from Volume One - 'Into the Victorian Age - The construction of the dock' . . . to recap on the construction works but this time with specific focus on the Custom House, Mercantile Marine Office Building and the Marine Hotel.

Dock Offices and a Customs House were built on the leeward side of Penarth Head; the Customs House being built on the site of the former Penarth Head Inn. The navvies are digging the footings for the new Customs House; I suspect that they would prefer a glass of ale in-hand rather than a pick or shovel!