Image Licensing : GWR Docks Penarth, c1920s

EDITORS COMMENTS

This photograph, taken at Penarth Docks in the 1920s, offers a glimpse into the past of maritime transportation and the esparto grass industry. The image showcases a dedicated team of workers in action, unloading esparto grass from a ship to a waiting rail car. Esparto grass, also known as Welsh tussock sedge, was a valuable commodity during this era due to its use in the production of rope and other industrial applications. The grass was primarily sourced from the Mediterranean and transported to the UK for processing. Penarth Docks, located on the Bristol Channel in South Wales, served as a crucial hub for the import and export of various goods, including esparto grass. The docks were well-equipped to handle large ships and had extensive rail connections, making it an ideal location for the transshipment of goods between sea and rail. In the photograph, we see a ship anchored in the harbor with a crane and a team of workers in action. They are carefully unloading the esparto grass from the ship's hold and loading it onto a rail car. The workers wear protective clothing and hats to shield themselves from the sun and the sharp edges of the grass. The scene is bustling with activity, with other workers and horses nearby, ready to transport the grass to its next destination. The steam engines in the background hint at the industrial might of the time, while the ships in the harbor and the rolling hills in the distance add to the picturesque setting. This photograph is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the people involved in the maritime and industrial sectors during the early 20th century. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and the important role that Penarth Docks played in the transportation of goods during this era.