3-017-288 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Opening of a new graving-dock at Jarrow, on the Tyne, 1865. 'A large graving-dock, in connection with Messrs. Palmer and Co.'s iron shipbuilding establishment at Jarrow, was opened...by Mrs. Hutt...The work of constructing the dock has extended over about three years, and the cost is estimated at £50,000 or £60,000. It is the largest dock of the kind in any of the ports on the east coast of England, and possesses sufficient accommodation for the largest vessel in the British Navy. It will be a great advantage to the trade of the port, especially as it will be thrown open for the use of any shipbuilders on the banks of the Tyne or any other river. The opening of such a dock was therefore an event of great importance to Jarrow and the port, and was attended with much ceremony and popular excitement...hauling of ropes and tugging of chains brought the noble ship [the steamer Sabrina] to the entrance of the dock, when, to the strains of the band, she was gently towed into the middle...At the bottom the dock is 53 ft. in width, while the two top steps are 96 ft. apart...This gives an average depth at high water of 20 ft. in the dock itself...The whole work is from plans furnished by Mr. J. F. Ure; the contractor being Mr. W. Jackson'. From "Illustrated London News", 1865.