JESSOP, William A report on the present state of the piers of Sunderland harbour, and the means recommended for their improvement. Sunderland, printed by James Graham 1808
8vo. (ii) + 22 + (2)pp, folding engraved plan. Seemly modern boards. Skempton No.783. The development of Sunderland harbour into one of the finest in Britain took nearly a century and some of the greatest names in civil engineering history, including Smeaton and Labelye, reported and made recommendations on it. The two major works of the harbour were the South Pier (begun 1723) and the North Pier (begun 1787), which was built by Robert and Matthew Shout. However, by 1807 the state of the piers, which had been progressively lengthened, and in the case of the South Pier, realigned, had reached a critical state and Jessop was asked for his advice before work on them continued. He was asked to comment on the present state of the piers and how far they might be extended, whether the interior of the harbour would be improved by dredging, whether a wet dock should be constructed, how the upper part of the river could be made better navigable and on any other improvement he might think necessary. In his masterly report he recommends the exact lines that the extended piers should take and discusses at length the other questions put by the dock commissioners, for instance discounting the merits of dredging and showing how further harbour works, such as the building of a wall on the north side of the harbour, would be more effective. He also recommends the reclaiming of land south of the harbour. When an act for increased powers was obtained in 1809 work began on extending the piers exactly as laid down in Jessop’s report and almost to the limits he proposed. A rare and lovely item.North pier, upon which the safety and maintenance of the harbour chiefly depended. (Murray)Southj Pier commenced c.1723. By 1737 was 1000 feet long.1748 Labelye proposed building of North Pier. Recommended 200 feet between pier heads. 1757 south pier rebuilt but to different alighmentc.1787 north pier begun built by Robert Shout with a series of timber frames loaded with stone. 1788 rames began to be faced in masonry. By 1802 nearly 1000 feet long with lighthouse. 1802. South pier also lengthened. 1804 Matthew Shout appointed engineerlengthened north and south piers to reduce gap between them.
£550
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