C: Policeman searching a docker at the dock entrance.
E: High walls protecting the London docks
The Docks in Operation
Security
One of the main reasons for building the docks was to prevent theft and provide secure storage. High walls and protected warehouses were therefore major features of the new docks.
Colquhoun set out the pattern to be used in the West India Docks:
Each of the dock companies employed its own special police force. The West India Dock Company employed an armed watch of a hundred men equipped with muskets, pistols and swords to protect its docks.
Their job was not only to prevent criminals from getting in but also to make sure that goods were not smuggled out of the docks.
Strict regulations were applied inside the West India Docks: (see F: below)
At the St Katharine Dock men were searched on entering and leaving the dock.
The East India Dock Company had a strict order of supervision which included: the Dockmaster, six officers to supervise loading and discharging, six supervisors in the ship's hold, twenty-four 'constant men' to mix with the lumpers in order to prevent 'theft' and idleness' and a hundred lumpers.
Security in the docks was a serious business.
B: 'The Quays, Warehouses and other buildings, shall be inclosed and surrounded by a strong brick or stone wall, not less than 30 feet high, on all sides, leaving only proper spaces for the Cuts and Entrances into the Dock, and proper Gateways through the wall; and immediately without the wall... there shall be a Ditch of the width of 12 feet, at least to be always kept filled with water, 6 feet deep.
Patrick Colquhoun, A treatise on the Commerce and Police of the River Thames, 1800
D: The man leaves the gate with a conspicuous air of unconcern which is instantly noted by a policeman who accosts the stranger... (The policeman runs his hands over the man's clothing and says) 'You feel rather lumpy, my man,' 'That's my lunch,' the other explains feebly. 'Lunch!'
Exclaims the constable. 'Just step in here a minute.' So the captive is led unwittingly into the office where a couple of bottles of brandy are disinterred (brought out) from the recesses of his clothing, and his person secured pending the arrival of the civil authorities.'
George Sims, Living London 1900
F: When a vessel entered the dock, the entire crew, except one officer, had to disembark.
The company would allow no one except its own staff and revenue officers to be in the dock without supervision. Only the company's lumpers were permitted to unload ships, working under the direction of a company foreman ...
Goods were taken into the company warehouse where the owner - always accompanied - could inspect and accept samples drawn for his use.
No carts, carmen or outside porters were admitted to the docks.'
John Pudney, London's Docks, 1975.
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C: Policeman searching a docker at the dock entrance.
E: High walls protecting the London docks
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Building the Docks |
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The Dockers|
The Strikes of 1889 |
In the 20c |
In the WW2 |
The Closure |
Contact
Nigel Sagar
Design and Technology
London Borough of Barking
and Dagenham
Email: nigel.sagar@lbbd.gov.uk
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