thumb|Aerial view [[File:Tall ship in Ipswich Dock 2.JPG|thumb|right|Stavros S Niarchos in Ipswich dock (2009) - Fairline Yachts and waterfront in the background]] The '''Ipswich Docks''', '''Ipswich wet dock,''' and '''the wet dock''' are a series of docks in the Port of Ipswich located at a bend of the River Orwell, which has been used for trade since at least the 8th Century. A wet dock was constructed in 1842, which was 'the biggest enclosed dock in the United Kingdom' at the time. A major regeneration of the area has taken place since 1999.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ipswich.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?categoryID=200079&documentID=141 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227080635/http://www.ipswich.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?categoryID=200079&documentID=141 |archive-date=27 February 2012 |url-status=dead |title=Ipswich Waterfront|publisher=Ipswich Borough Council|access-date=2010-01-16}}</ref>
==History==
===Economic stagnation=== Although Ipswich had enjoyed "a great trade" in the sixteenth century, by the seventeenth century this went into decline. This in turn had led to the neglect of basic facilities, such as the Common Quay, which was no longer accessible by vessels with a draft of 8 feet or more; such vessels had to transfer their cargoes into lighters three miles downstream at Downham Reach.<ref name="Malster Vic Vision">{{cite book |last1=Malster |first1=Robert |title=A Victorian vision : the Ipswich wet dock story |date=1992 |publisher=Ipswich Port Authority |location=[Ipswich] |isbn=0-901029-09-2}}</ref>
===Initial work=== [[File:Henry Davy (1839) First Stone of Ipswich Dock.png|centre|thumb|upright=3.2|Laying of the First Stone, 26 June 1839 by George Green Sampson, Mayor of Ipswich, Dykes Alexander, Treasurer of the Ipswich Docks Commission, Peter Bartholomew Long, Clerk, Henry Robinson Palmer, vice-president of the Institute of Civil Engineers, David Thornbory, contractor. Drawing by Henry Davy.<ref name="IHL">{{cite web |last1=Van Loon |first1=Borin |title=Ipswich Historic Lettering: Wet Dock Davy drawing |url=http://www.ipswich-lettering.co.uk/wetdockdavydrawing.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517155834/http://www.ipswich-lettering.co.uk/wetdockdavydrawing.html |archive-date=17 May 2020 |url-status=live |website=www.ipswich-lettering.co.uk |publisher=Henry Davy}}</ref>]].
In 1837 an act of Parliament (7 Will. 4 & 1 Vict. c. lxxiv) allowed the Ipswich Dock Commissioners to construct a new wet dock whilst also placing certain conditions on them. In addition to building the wet dock and providing a diversion for the river Orwell along a 'New Cut' to the west of the dock the commissioners were to allow ''all persons, with cattle and carriages, may thereby have free access to the dock and quays and the sides of the said new cut and channel'' and also to ''contribute to the health and recreation of the inhabitants [of Ipswich]''. The Ipswich Dock Commission was provided with an investment of £25,000 and the right to borrow a further £100,000 but needed a further loan of £20,000 and also an additional levy of six pence per tonne on all imported coal to fund the project.<ref>Twinch (2009), page 94</ref> The dock opened in 1842; the original lock gates entered the dock from the New Cut opposite Felaw Street.<ref name=Act1837/> The new custom house (now known as the 'Old Custom House') was completed in 1845.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visit-ipswich.com/what_to_see_do/ipswich_buildings_places_of_interest/old_custom_house |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116050820/http://www.visit-ipswich.com/what_to_see_do/ipswich_buildings_places_of_interest/old_custom_house |archive-date=16 January 2013 |url-status=dead |title=Old Custom House|work=Visit Ipswich|access-date=2010-01-26}}</ref>
The development attracted new industries to the dock area, such as the coprolite factory founded by Edward Packard in 1849. This factory gave its name to Coprolite Street in the docks area.<ref name="Story">{{cite web |title=The Story of Coprolite Street |url=https://ipswichmaritimetrust.org.uk/the-story-of-coprolite-street/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517160330/https://ipswichmaritimetrust.org.uk/the-story-of-coprolite-street/ |archive-date=17 May 2020 |url-status=live |website=Ipswich Maritime Trust |publisher=Ipswich Maritime Trust |access-date=12 May 2020 |date=26 October 2019}}</ref>
===Renovation following 1877 act{{anchor|Ipswich Docks Act 1877|Ipswich Docks Act 1913}}=== thumb|right|Map showing the quays to the north and east of the dock and part of the New Cut - 1884 thumb|right|Map showing the New Cut, the lock gates, the promenade and the griffin ferry - 1884 thumb|right|Map showing the original lock gates 1884
The Ipswich Docks Act 1877 (40 & 41 Vict. c. ccxvi) allowed for the construction of a new lock in their present position to facilitate access to the dock and allow trams to operate along the length of the 'Island' between New Cut and the dock.<ref name=Act1877/> The new lock gates were constructed by the time of the 1898 act, which authorised the construction of a swing bridge.<ref name=Act1898/>
Ipswich Docks Act 1913 (3 & 4 Geo. 5. c. cvi) allowed for the construction of ''a new entrance to the docks comprising inner and outer gates and a swing bridge, a quay and various tramways,'' and also allowed for the 'stopping off' of various rights of way. There was, however a condition that work had to be completed within 10 years, and following World War I, an extension was granted by an act of Parliament (8 & 9 Geo. 5. c. lvii) in 1918.<ref name=Act1918/>
===1950-1973=== {{Infobox UK legislation | short_title = Ipswich Dock Act 1971 | type = Act | parliament = Parliament of the United Kingdom | long_title = An Act to authorise the Ipswich Dock Commission to construct further works; and for other purposes. | year = 1971 | citation = 1971 c. xiv | introduced_commons = | introduced_lords = | territorial_extent = | royal_assent = 30 March 1971 | commencement = | expiry_date = | repeal_date = | amends = | replaces = | amendments = | repealing_legislation = | related_legislation = | status = current | legislation_history = | theyworkforyou = | millbankhansard = | original_text = https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/1971/14/pdfs/ukla_19710014_en.pdf | revised_text = | use_new_UK-LEG = | UK-LEG_title = | collapsed = yes }} The '''{{visible anchor|Ipswich Dock Act 1971}}''' (c. xiv) authorised the development of the West Bank to allow ro-ro ships to dock.
The Ipswich Dock Commission was reconstituted as the Ipswich Port Authority in 1973<ref>Suffolk County Council (2009a), para 73</ref> when the first stage of the development was completed, further work was carried out in 1977 and 1979 and then again in 1998.<ref name=DfTCase>{{cite web|url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/shippingports/ports/modern/modernportsaukpolicyannex2ca4958?page=5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110504132704/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/shippingports/ports/modern/modernportsaukpolicyannex2ca4958?page=5 |archive-date=4 May 2011 |url-status=dead |title=Modern ports: A UK policy - Annex 2: Case studies (Ipswich)|publisher=Department for Transport|access-date=2010-01-16}}</ref>
==Legislation== {{Infobox UK legislation | short_title = {{visible anchor|Ipswich Port Improvement Act 1805}} | type = Act | parliament = Parliament of the United Kingdom | long_title = An Act for improving and rendering more commodious the Port of Ipswich, in the County of Sufffolk. | year = 1805 | citation = 45 Geo. 3. c. ci | introduced_commons = | introduced_lords = | territorial_extent = | royal_assent = 10 July 1805 | commencement = | expiry_date = | repeal_date = | amends = | replaces = | amendments = | repealing_legislation = {{ubli|Ipswich Port Act 1837}} | related_legislation = | status = repealed | legislation_history = | theyworkforyou = | millbankhansard = | original_text = https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/Geo3/45/101/pdfs/ukla_18050101_en.pdf | revised_text = | use_new_UK-LEG = | UK-LEG_title = | collapsed = yes }} {{Infobox UK legislation | short_title = {{visible anchor|Ipswich Port Act 1837}} | type = Act | parliament = Parliament of the United Kingdom | long_title = An Act to amend an Act of the Forty-fifth Year of the Reign of King George the Third, for improving and rendering more commodious the Port of Ipswich, and for constructing a Wet Dock there. | year = 1837 | citation = 7 Will. 4 & 1 Vict. c. lxxiv | introduced_commons = | introduced_lords = | territorial_extent = | royal_assent = 30 June 1837 | commencement = | expiry_date = | repeal_date = | amends = | replaces = | amendments = | repealing_legislation = {{ubli|Ipswich Port Authority Act 1986}} | related_legislation = | status = repealed | legislation_history = | theyworkforyou = | millbankhansard = | original_text = https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/Will4and1Vict/7/74/pdfs/ukla_18370074_en.pdf | revised_text = | use_new_UK-LEG = | UK-LEG_title = | collapsed = yes }} {{Infobox UK legislation | short_title = {{visible anchor|Ipswich Dock Commission Act 1841}} | type = Act | parliament = Parliament of the United Kingdom | long_title = An Act to enable the Ipswich Dock Commissioners to raise a further Sum of Money. | year = 1841 | citation = 4 & 5 Vict. c. lii | introduced_commons = | introduced_lords = | territorial_extent = | royal_assent = 21 June 1841 | commencement = | expiry_date = | repeal_date = | amends = | replaces = | amendments = | repealing_legislation = {{ubli|Ipswich Port Authority Act 1986}} | related_legislation = | status = repealed | legislation_history = | theyworkforyou = | millbankhansard = | original_text = https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/Vict/4-5/52/pdfs/ukla_18410052_en.pdf | revised_text = | use_new_UK-LEG = | UK-LEG_title = | collapsed = yes }} {{Infobox UK legislation | short_title = {{visible anchor|Ipswich Dock Act 1843}} | type = Act | parliament = Parliament of the United Kingdom | long_title = An Act to enlarge the Powers of the Ipswich Dock Commissioners. | year = 1843 | citation = 6 & 7 Vict. c. xx | introduced_commons = | introduced_lords = | territorial_extent = | royal_assent = 9 May 1843 | commencement = | expiry_date = | repeal_date = | amends = | replaces = | amendments = | repealing_legislation = {{ubli|Ipswich Port Authority Act 1986}} | related_legislation = | status = repealed | legislation_history = | theyworkforyou = | millbankhansard = | original_text = https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/Vict/6-7/20/pdfs/ukla_18430020_en.pdf | revised_text = | use_new_UK-LEG = | UK-LEG_title = | collapsed = yes }} {{Infobox UK legislation | short_title = {{visible anchor|Ipswich Dock Act 1852}} | type = Act | parliament = Parliament of the United Kingdom | long_title = An Act to consolidate and amend the Acts relating to the Ipswich Dock, to allow certain Drawbacks, and for other Purposes. | year = 1852 | citation = 15 & 16 Vict. c. cxvi | introduced_commons = | introduced_lords = | territorial_extent = | royal_assent = 17 June 1852 | commencement = | expiry_date = | repeal_date = | amends = | replaces = | amendments = | repealing_legislation = | related_legislation = | status = | legislation_history = | theyworkforyou = | millbankhansard = | original_text = https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/Vict/15-16/116/pdfs/ukla_18520116_en.pdf | revised_text = | use_new_UK-LEG = | UK-LEG_title = | collapsed = yes }} {{Infobox UK legislation | short_title = {{visible anchor|Ipswich Dock Act 1877}} | type = Act | parliament = Parliament of the United Kingdom | long_title = An Act to confer further powers on the Ipswich Dock Commissioners. | year = 1877 | citation = 40 & 41 Vict. c. ccxvi | introduced_commons = | introduced_lords = | territorial_extent = | royal_assent = 10 August 1877 | commencement = | expiry_date = | repeal_date = | amends = | replaces = | amendments = | repealing_legislation = | related_legislation = | status = | legislation_history = | theyworkforyou = | millbankhansard = | original_text = https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/Vict/40-41/216/pdfs/ukla_18770216_en.pdf | revised_text = | use_new_UK-LEG = | UK-LEG_title = | collapsed = yes }} {{Infobox UK legislation | short_title = {{visible anchor|Ipswich Dock Act 1898}} | type = Act | parliament = Parliament of the United Kingdom | long_title = An Act to enable the Ipswich Dock Commissioners to make certain works in connexion with their dock and to confer various further powers upon the Commissioners and for other purposes. | year = 1898 | citation = 61 & 62 Vict. c. cxciii | introduced_commons = | introduced_lords = | territorial_extent = | royal_assent = 2 August 1898 | commencement = | expiry_date = | repeal_date = | amends = | replaces = | amendments = | repealing_legislation = | related_legislation = | status = | legislation_history = | theyworkforyou = | millbankhansard = | original_text = https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/Vict/61-62/193/pdfs/ukla_18980193_en.pdf | revised_text = | use_new_UK-LEG = | UK-LEG_title = | collapsed = yes }} {{Infobox UK legislation | short_title = {{visible anchor|Ipswich Dock Act 1913}} | type = Act | parliament = Parliament of the United Kingdom | long_title = An Act to alter the constitution of and method of election to the Ipswich Dock Commission to confer further powers on the commissioners to authorise them to construct works and acquire lands to raise additional money and to create stock and for other purposes. | year = 1913 | citation = 3 & 4 Geo. 5. c. cvi | introduced_commons = | introduced_lords = | territorial_extent = | royal_assent = 15 August 1913 | commencement = | expiry_date = | repeal_date = | amends = | replaces = | amendments = | repealing_legislation = | related_legislation = | status = | legislation_history = | theyworkforyou = | millbankhansard = | original_text = https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/Geo5/3-4/106/pdfs/ukla_19130106_en.pdf | revised_text = | use_new_UK-LEG = | UK-LEG_title = | collapsed = yes }} {{Infobox UK legislation | short_title = {{visible anchor|Ipswich Dock Act 1918}} | type = Act | parliament = Parliament of the United Kingdom | long_title = An Act to authorise the Ipswich Dock Commission to construct additional works to alter the tonnage duties and the rates on goods which may be levied by them and for other purposes. | year = 1918 | citation = 8 & 9 Geo. 5. c. lvii | introduced_commons = | introduced_lords = | territorial_extent = | royal_assent = 21 November 1918 | commencement = | expiry_date = | repeal_date = | amends = | replaces = | amendments = | repealing_legislation = | related_legislation = | status = | legislation_history = | theyworkforyou = | millbankhansard = | original_text = https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/Geo5/8-9/57/pdfs/ukla_19180057_en.pdf | revised_text = | use_new_UK-LEG = | UK-LEG_title = | collapsed = yes }} {{Infobox UK legislation | short_title = {{visible anchor|Ipswich Port Authority Act 1979}} | type = Act | parliament = Parliament of the United Kingdom | long_title = An Act to extend the time for the completion of the works authorised by the Ipswich Dock Act 1971; to increase the borrowing powers of the Ipswich Port Authority; and for connected purposes. | year = 1979 | citation = 1979 c. ix | introduced_commons = | introduced_lords = | territorial_extent = | royal_assent = 26 July 1979 | commencement = | expiry_date = | repeal_date = | amends = | replaces = | amendments = | repealing_legislation = {{ubli|Ipswich Port Authority Act 1986}} | related_legislation = | status = repealed | legislation_history = | theyworkforyou = | millbankhansard = | original_text = https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/1979/9/pdfs/ukla_19790009_en.pdf | revised_text = | use_new_UK-LEG = | UK-LEG_title = | collapsed = yes }} {{Infobox UK legislation | short_title = {{visible anchor|Ipswich Port Authority Act 1986}} | type = Act | parliament = Parliament of the United Kingdom | long_title = An Act to extend the time for the completion of the works authorised by the Ipswich Dock Act 1971; to increase and amend the borrowing powers of the Ipswich Port Authority; to confer further powers on the Authority; to accord priority of passage to certain vessels passing to and from the port of Ipswich over certain other vessels not so passing; and for connected and other purposes. | year = 1986 | citation = 1986 c. xv | introduced_commons = | introduced_lords = | territorial_extent = | royal_assent = 25 July 1986 | commencement = | expiry_date = | repeal_date = | amends = | replaces = | amendments = | repealing_legislation = | related_legislation = | status = | legislation_history = | theyworkforyou = | millbankhansard = | original_text = https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/1986/15/pdfs/ukla_19860015_en.pdf | revised_text = | use_new_UK-LEG = | UK-LEG_title = | collapsed = yes }} * Ipswich Dock Act 1837 (7 Will. 4 & 1 Vict. c. lxxiv)<ref name=Act1837>Suffolk County Council (2009a), para 17</ref> * Ipswich Dock Act 1852 (15 & 16 Vict. c. cxvi)<ref>Suffolk County Council (2009a), para 18</ref> * Ipswich Dock Act 1877 (40 & 41 Vict. c. ccxvi)<ref name=Act1877>Suffolk County Council (2009a), para 19</ref> * Ipswich Dock Act 1898 (61 & 62 Vict. c. cxciii)<ref name=Act1898>Suffolk County Council (2009a), para 20</ref> * Ipswich Dock Act 1913 (3 & 4 Geo. 5. c. cvi)<ref>Suffolk County Council (2009a), para 21</ref> * Ipswich Dock Act 1918 (8 & 9 Geo. 5. c. lvii)<ref name=Act1918>Suffolk County Council (2009a), para 22</ref> * Ipswich Dock Revision Order 1969 (SI 1969/1521)<ref>Suffolk County Council (2009a), para 24</ref> * Ipswich Dock Act 1971 (c. xv)<ref>Suffolk County Council (2009a), para 25</ref> * Ipswich Port Authority Act 1979 (c. ix)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1979/jul/26/royal-assent#S5CV0971P0_19790726_HOC_395|title=ROYAL ASSENT - Ipswich Port Authority Act 1979|publisher=Hansard|accessdate=2010-01-16}}</ref> * Ipswich Port Authority Act 1986 (c. xv)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/acts/ipswich-port-authority-act-1986|title=ROYAL ASSENT - Ipswich Port Authority Act 1986|publisher=Hansard|accessdate=2010-01-16}}</ref> * Port of Ipswich (Transfer of Undertaking) Harbour Revision Order 2002 (SI 2002/3269)<ref name=SI2002>{{cite web|url=https://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2002/20023269.htm|title=Statutory Instrument 2002 No. 3269|publisher=OPSI|accessdate=2010-01-16}}</ref>
==Ipswich Dock Commission== Many notable local individuals were dock commissioners.
==References== {{reflist}}
Category:Port of Ipswich