The Howland Great Dock near Deptford.

Repro ID: PY1988

Description: The Howland Great Wet Dock was the first wet dock on the south side of the Thames. It was originally planned as a drydock and shipbuilding ground. Elizabeth Howland leased the site to John and Richard Wells, shipwrights, and advanced them £2,500 for the work. The following year, however, it was decided to construct a wet dock instead and the Wells' were granted a second lease, Elizabeth Howland advancing them £12,000 for the work. On completion the dock served as a shelter for ships waiting to unload their goods upstream at the legal quays. The trees surrounding the docks, evident in the picture above, provided extra protection for the ships. In the 19th century, Greenland Dock was built on the site. It survives to this day.

Creator: J. Badslade (artist); J. Kip (engraver)

Date: 18th Century

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London