2-913-867 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"The Fairy" Steamer entering Grimsby Dock, 1854. Queen Victoria visits Lincolnshire. '...the graceful little Fairy came in sight...Making a slight circuit before entering the dock, the Royal yacht soon stood fairly in; and her Majesty, with the Prince Consort, surrounded by her suite, was soon recognised upon deck...Their attention was first naturally directed to a gigantic tower, in the Italian style, which rises from the centre pier to the height of 300 feet, and can be seen sixty miles out at sea...By an ingenious contrivance, duly explained to the Royal Party, the tower is made to furnish hydraulic pressure sufficient to carry on nearly all the works of the dock...The Grimsby Dock is, we believe, the only one in the kingdom at which hydraulic force has yet been brought so completely under control for performing the varied handiwork required upon the quay-side...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.