Time Team, Channel 4

[John Orentas]

The Lost Dock of Liverpool.. 9.00pm Monday.

 

Excavation of the very first dock to be built, 300 years ago.

[valrene9600]

Thanks for that, it should be interesting.

[gaggle]

It was Thomas Steers, he came from Rotherhithe in Kent, he learnt his trade as a military engineer serving under William of Orange, was in his army at the time of the Battle of The Boyne. During his time in the Lowland countries of Holland he studied hydraulic engineering constructing 'dykes' The Liverpool Old dock was considered the first commercial wet dock in the world, construction began 1709 completed in 1715. It ceased to function around 1825 and was filled in, John Fosters iconic Custom House building was built on the dock site between 1828-1837. This survived until the May blitz 1941, severely bomb damaged after the war it was demolished. Steers House was constructed on the site this survived until 1999 and also demolished. Thomas Steers served on Liverpool corporation as an Alderman and was mayor in 1739, he also designed Salthouse Dock but died before its completion.

 

lifted from bootle past present and future website.