2-888-751 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Opening of the New Docks at Sunderland - the Marine Procession, 1850. 'The river [Wear] was studded with every variety of craft that human beings could crowd into it'. Taking part were: '1. The Welcome, Captain Robert Hall (owners, Charles Taylor, Esq., of Sunderland, and Brothers), towed by the Harnett, and ultimately loaded with Haswell Walls'-End coal. 2. The Cleadon, Captain George Gray (owner, William Bell, Esq.), towed by the Olive steamer, and ultimately loaded with Belmont coal. 3. The Don, Captain William Watley (owners, Braddyll and Co.), towed by the Pilot steamer. 4. The Susannah, Captain Miles Benson (owner, Mr. John Sanderson Howe, Dock Master), towed by the Whitwett steamer...The depth of water will suffice for ships of the largest tonnage...There is ample accommodation for coal vessels...[with] waggons brought by Durham and Sunderland Raiway from the mines'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.