No coal handing facilities were indicated upon Mr B's plans for the 1836 Ely Docks but the technology representative of the era was that probably in use at Cardiff at the time.

1820 - Pier Head, Cardiff. [049] This was apparently Powell's first coal staithe situated on the banks of the River Taff. Edgar Chappel in his book the History of the Port of Cardiff, corrects the statement in that this location was not at the Pier Head as described upon the print based upon Alexander Wilson's oil painting. The wooden staithe was simple, crude and facilitated the loading of horse drawn tubs of coal into awaiting vessels. Interestingly, Mr. Chappel writes : 'Farther down the river, at the Bank, in 1835, Thomas Powell built a staith or tip for loading ships with coal for coastwise export. This was in use until 1863 and was probably the first shipping appliance provided at the port.' [614]