Main Basin (Gloucester)

 water, dock (maritime), canal basin

The main basin was the terminus of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, (originally called the Gloucester and Berkeley Canal), and the main basin opened in 1827.

This canal bypassed the upper reaches of the Severn, which are extremely dangerous to navigate due to the shifting sandbanks and strong tidal streams. The latter are sufficiently powerful to roll over and sink any vessel that has the misfortune to run aground.

Principal imports were grain, seed and timber. With the exception of salt, exports were few, and this imbalance in trade probably contributed to the decline of the docks.

Although commercial shipping activity has all but ceased, the docks still comprise the best collection of historic waterfront warehouses in the UK.

www.gloucesterdocks.me.uk/gloucester/docks.htm