Turnbull's "Docks and Port Charges"

[Geoff_E]

Sounds as dry as dust but a fascinating book.

It's the 4th edition; frontspiece is missing so I can't date it exactly but there are various fold out maps dated 1894 so I would guess it's from the last 5 years of the 19th century.

It must decribe just about every creek round the UK coast (as well as established ports of course) and I've found quite a few locations which saw their last ship many a long year ago and even then it was probably only coasting vessels under sail, barges etc. Lots of references to ballast charges, also names Harbourmasters, local railway goods agents etc.

Anyone else come across it?

[Geoff_E]

Further to the above - just found the following.

NOTICE TO SHIPOWNERS:

"The Port of Manchester is now open to traffic and the following arrangements are in place:-

Sea-going merchant vessels arriving in Manchester during 1895 will not be charged any ship dues, either inwards or outwards........"

An early promotion, bet it didn't last beyond the year end!

[Geoff_E]

Hey, talking to myself on this one - best way to avoid arguments!!

However, I bought the book in Tonsberg last week for Nkr 300 (about £30). Checked on www.AbeBooks.co.uk ; there are two copies for sale, both later editions than mine. One at about £190 and the other at £300+.

I didn't buy it to trade on, but it's nice to get a bargain!

[K urgess]

Sounds like interesting stuff and a bargain to boot.(Thumb)
Unfortunately I have a habit of collecting such "gems" so I have boxes full of them that I dive into every so often for another gem.
You haven't been talking to yourself, a few of us have been listening.
Salaams
Kris