THIS week in Down Memory Lane I reflect on the first Thames Haven Dock, after I saw for the first time last week a large container ship docked on the quay of the London Gateway superport in Stanford-le-Hope.

The first dock’s construction started in around 1850, so it has taken some 163 years to have a port up and running in that area.

It is interesting to note the first proposed harbour here, to be funded by private subscription, failed before it could be opened.

The idea was to form a major coal handling facility here for later London distribution, by rail, road and colliers in to London.

However, the Thames Haven Dock Company also hoped for passengers, live cattle and other goods to be handled here and then use the London, Tilbury & Southend Rail Company’s branch line into Thames Haven to distribute passengers and goods on to the national rail lines.

The engraving of the proposed works, to encourage shares to be purchased, shows a tidal pool with two branch docks with lock gates, a wide range of cargo sheds and administration buildings alongside what became the Thames Haven Branch Line station and associated jetty.

The public interest in the proposed dock shares failed to raise the capital required and the scheme was abandoned.

I wonder if any original paper shares still exist as it would be an interesting display item for Thurrock Museum.