Quay Walls,Copings And Butresses To Import Dock And Export Dock

The quay walls, copings, and buttresses of the Import Dock and Export Dock at the West India Docks, located on the Isle of Dogs, are significant structures dating from the early 19th century. Following the Act of 1799, the West India Docks were opened in 1802, marking the beginning of enclosed commercial docks in London. This pioneering civil engineering project was designed by William Jessop and Ralph Walker, establishing a model for future dock designs.

The Import Dock, constructed between 1800 and 1802, is the earliest of the two docks, followed by the Export Dock, built from 1803 to 1806. Together, they cover 54 acres and stretch 2,600 feet long, with an original depth of 23 feet. The quay walls are constructed of sophisticated brickwork featuring a profile and counterfort buttresses, resting on a gravel bed. The copings are made of ashlar granite, although many have been renewed or concealed by jetties.

In the 19th century, the locks leading to the Blackwall Basin were enlarged, and the Limehouse Entrance lock was modified in the 1860s to create the present South Dock. The total expenditure on these works from 1800 to 1806 was an impressive £1.1 million. Today, these docks, along with the No. 1 and No. 2 warehouses, are the only remaining examples from the first intensive period of dock construction in London, which spanned from 1800 to 1810.