Preston Marina - where the city meets the sea, site of the Albert Edward Dock which opened in 1892 and at the time was the largest single dock in the country. In 1948 the dock was the first to introduce roll-on roll-off tracking, utilising the technique used by tank landing craft during the Second World War.
From its slow beginnings the docks experience a steady growth in trade in the early decades of the 20th century. With the outbreak of the First World War the docks took on a new role, exporting munitions produced by local factories that had been retooled for the war effort.
Over the course of its history the dock handled a wide variety of general cargoes. Incoming vessels would unload raw cotton, timber, china clay, fruit (including bananas and citrus from the West Indies), wheat, horses, cattle, coal, petroleum products, fishmeal, fertilisers, and wood pulp.
From October 1982 to November 1990 the former Isle of Man passenger vessel TSS Manxman was moored at Preston Dock. Originally purchased to be used as a museum and visitor centre, the vessel was converted for use as a floating restaurant and bar. Upon expiration of its mooring contract the vessel was towed to Liverpool.
Music: Water Shows The Hidden Heart by Enya.
Paul.
