2-979-050 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Progress of the Embankment of the Thames at Chelsea, [London], 1857. View of '...a portion in progress by Mr. Jay, the contractor, under the Woods and Works, extending nearly from [Vauxhall-bridge] to the entrance to the Grosvenor Canal, Chelsea...The entrances to the different docks, canals, &c., are spanned by straight cast-iron girders, and the roadway made good over, so as to avoid any obstruction to the public, and will thus afford an uninterrupted promenade for the whole distance; the foundation, as shown in the Drawing, is done by what is called half-tide work; and the barge alongside the piles contains a double pumping-engine, for the purpose of drawing off the water to enable the workmen to dig out the foundation for the bricklayers; and further on are men driving sheet piling for the purpose of continuing the dam'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.