Preston Docks Foundation Stone

Preston Docks Foundation Stone

The foundation stone for Preston Docks was laid on June 17th 1885.


The foundation stone for Preston Docks was laid by Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) on June 17th 1885. This event marked the start of the construction of what would become one of the largest inland docks in England.  The docks were officially opened in 1892, making them the largest inland dock in England at the time.

The Preston Docks Foundation Stone is inscribed with the following text:

THIS THE FIRST STONE OF THE ALBERT EDWARD DOCK

CONSTRUCTED BY THE CORPORATION OF PRESTON WAS LAID BY

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES KG KT. & C

ON THE 17TH JULY A.D. 1885 IN THE 49TH YEAR OF THE REIGN OF

HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY QUEEN VICTORIA

JOHN FORSHAW

MAYOR

WILLIAM GILBERTSON

CHAIRMAN OF THE RIBBLE COM (Company)

HENRY HAMER

TOWN CLERK

EDWARD GARLICK M.I.C.E. (Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers)

ENGINEER

THOMAS A.WALKER

CONTRACTOR


The foundation stone for Preston Docks was laid on June 17th 1885
The foundation stone for Preston Docks was laid on June 17th 1885


Preston Dock opened in 1892. At the time, it was the largest single dock in Europe. The basin was named after Queen Victoria's first son, Albert Edward the Prince of Wales, who laid the dock foundation stone in 1885.

The Albert Edward Basin is 3,000 feet (910 metres) long by 600 feet (180 metres) wide. It covers an area of around 42 acres (17 Hectares). It provided over 1.8 km (1.1 miles) of quayside for loading and unloading vessels.

On its opening in 1892 it was the largest single dock, largest inland dock and largest enclosed dock in Europe.

Preston Dock opened in 1892 - The Docks are now used as a Marina
Preston Dock opened in 1892 - The Docks are now used as a Marina

Royal visit to Preston by HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, 16th-17th July 1885. Ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Albert Edward Dock. The prince and the mayor (Alderman John Forshaw) standing together centre right.

Ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Albert Edward Dock
Ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Albert Edward Dock


~


Further reading and sources of information

Preston Docks Foundation Stone Facebook post - Preston History Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofpreston/permalink/432468152702899/

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Visit of the Prince of Wales: laying the foundation stone of the Albert Edward Dock
Red Rose Collections - Lancashire County Council

https://redrosecollections.lancashire.gov.uk/view-item?i=217731&WINID=1739402659029

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Who Was Edward Garlick? EDWARD GARLICK M.I.C.E. - ENGINEER

https://www.mylancs.uk/2024/08/who-was-edward-garlick-edward-garlick.html

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On this day … 7 May 1892 - Preston History website

https://prestonhistory.com/2023/05/07/on-this-day-7-may-1892/

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Location: Navigation Way, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston PR2 2YP, UK

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