Rights Managed > Historic England > Transport > Docks and shipping
Portishead Dock JEH_22046_048
Filename: jeh_22046_048.jpg
Size: 5135 x 3403 (23.6MB)
Date: 27th June 2016
Source: Historic England
Credit: © Historic England Archive. Jim
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: images.historicenglandservices.org.uk
Job Title: Photographer
© Historic England Archive
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Portishead Dock JEH_22046_048
Portishead Dock, North Somerset. In 1860 a deep water dock was built to accomodate large ships that had difficulty reaching Bristol Harbour. With the closure of the adjacent power stations in 1982 the dock lost its primary purpose and was closed in 1992. It has since been redeveloped as a marina. Photographed here in November 1970 by Jim Hancock
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 12258376
© Historic England Archive
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative aerial photograph, taken by Jim Hancock in November 1970 for Historic England, captures the tranquil beauty of Portishead Dock in North Somerset. Built in 1860, the dock was a vital addition to the maritime landscape, providing a deep water facility for large ships that were unable to reach the shallower waters of Bristol Harbour. The dock's construction marked a significant moment in the region's transport history, enabling the movement of goods and people between land and sea more efficiently. However, the dock's fortunes changed in the late 20th century. With the closure of the adjacent power stations in 1982, the dock lost its primary purpose and was eventually closed in 1992. The once bustling hub of activity lay dormant for over a decade, its cranes and warehouses falling into disrepair. But the story of Portishead Dock did not end there. In the new millennium, the dock was redeveloped as a marina, transforming it into a thriving centre of leisure and recreation. Today, the tranquil waters of the marina are home to a fleet of yachts and boats, while the surrounding area has been regenerated with new homes, shops, and restaurants. Looking at this photograph, it is easy to be transported back in time, to imagine the hustle and bustle of the dock in its heyday. Yet, the image also serves as a reminder of the importance of adaptability and reinvention in the face of changing circumstances. The transformation of Portishead Dock from a working harbour to a marina is a testament to the enduring power of human ingenuity and the resilience of the natural world.
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