2-913-659 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Harwich, 1854. Port in Essex. 'This important line of railway, which will considerably shorten the distance between the metropolis and the Hague and the northern fiart of Europe, has just been completed...The harbour...is making rapid progress; ample accommodation is being provided for the steam-boat traffic, and so rendering the port the principal passenger and mail-packet station on the east coast...a trial trip was recently made to Antwerp, by the new iron mail steam-ship Aquilla, one of the fleet of the North of Europe Steam Navigation Company...On the return trip the Aquilla proceeded to Gravesend, which distance she performed in twelve hours, a remarkably rapid run. By the opening of this branch line and the running of the steamers, passengers leaving the metropolis [London] in the morning will reach Antwerp or Rotterdam early in the evening'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.