Bridgwater Dock Opening 1841

Bridgwater Docks Opening 1841

The new dock in connection with the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal was opened on Thursday 25 March.

The committee of managent had been here for two or three days previously for the purpose of inspecting the works and completing the necessary arrangements

The day was ushered in by the ringing of bells and the firing of nine cannon which had been planted on the heights above the dock. Crowds of the town flocked near the banks a long time before the opening and by 7am the number amounted to around three thousand people.

The steamers were plying up and down the river, showing to great advantage the power of steam against the wind and tide.

Before the time fixed for the opening at 8am the directors accompanied by Robert Bagehot, Esq., the Mayor Frederick Axford, Esq. and other members of the mercantile body and friends and a band of music embarked on the Endeavour steamer and proceeded down the river towing the Henry with Captain Billings at a grand rate; when near the dock the steamer passed up the river leaving the Henry to enter the dock which she did in a very majestic style and under salute of the guns with the band playing the National Anthem, when the scene was of highly interesting character.

Immediately after the Henry’s entry, five other vessels graced the dock, all having their colours hoisted. The committee of management dined at the Clarence Hotel; the Captains of the different vessels in port at the George Hotel; the carpenters and masons at the cheese market; and the labourers engaged at the dock near the spot.

Immediately after the Henry’s entry, five other vessels graced the dock, all having their colours hoisted

The committee of management dined at the Clarence Hotel; the Captains of the different vessels in port at the George Hotel; the carpenters and masons at the cheese market; and the labourers engaged at the dock near the spot.

A barrier which had been placed at the entrance of the outer dock to prevent the river from flowing in consisted of pieces of baulk of 12 to 15 inches square, laid horizontally upon each other with the ends fixed to the wall, supported and strengthened by upright and cross pieces flattened with iron bolts; preparations were being made on Wednesday afternoon for the removal of the barrier; the mud which had collected at the bottom was taken away as were some of the supports, this work was carried on until 5.30pm at which time there were from 15 to 20 feet of water outside the barrier, when the latter gave way and the water broke the pieces of baulk and with apparent ease the water rushed into the dock with irresistible force and filled the dock immediately.

We are happy to state that no incident occurred on this occasion.