Brentford Dock History
150th Year Anniversary
Brentford Dock began construction in 1855 to a plan by Brunel as a freight link between river-borne traffic and the Great Western Railway's (GWR) rail network to the West Country and other parts of the United Kingdom. It was opened in 1859.
Official Opening of Great Western Railway’s Docks
The Official opening of the Great Western Railway’s Docks at Brentford was recorded on 15th of July 1859 at 3.40 pm. Records describe quiet a grand affair with the Board of Directors arriving on the River Thames on 2 paddle steamers (Venus and Jupiter) and others via the GWR Branch line from Southall. Music and a Ceremonial Dinner were taken nearby at the Town Hall in Brentford.
Transhipment Point
The Dock then went on as a major transhipment point for National Trade for the next 100 years; some historians believe that approximately 10% of the countries trade passed through here at its height.
In the 1950s and early 1960s, with increased road traffic, much less use was made of the waterways for transporting goods. Brentford Dock was closed in 1964.
Brentford Dock Estate
In 1972 construction work began on the Brentford Dock Estate and the project was completed six years later in 1978.
Official Opening of Brentford Dock Marina
For the official opening of Brentford Dock Marina on 7 August 1980 Sir Horace Cutler, head of what was then the GLC (Greater London Council), sailed up river from County Hall on the Princess Freda.
The photograph above, taken by Ian Ridpath, shows Sir Horace Cutler cutting the blue ribbon draped across the lock gates.
Old Photographs
Old Photographs and charts of Brentford Dock dating back to 1911, were displayed in the Marina Club during the BD150 event.