About This Site

This is a personal website which reflects my long-term interest in Gloucester Docks and the Sharpness Canal. I hope it is of use to potential visitors and to all those interested in waterways and in the great changes now taking place at Gloucester.

Hugh Conway-Jones

Site Synopsis

The Gloucester Docks pages provide information about Gloucester Docks, particularly featuring the historic warehouses and other buildings of interest. Further information is provided about facilities for visitors and about the developments that are creating new residential properties and commercial premises. In due course, it is intended to outline which businesses used each particular warehouse and for what purpose.

The Sharpness Docks pages provide information about Sharpness Docks, particularly featuring the Old Dock which is now a marina, the New Dock which is still in commercial use, the buildings at Sharpness and the former training ship Vindicatrix. A further page highlights the wide range of craft that can be seen at Sharpness.

The Gloucester & Sharpness Canal pages provide information about places along the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, covering separately the length from Sharpness to Saul Junction, the area around Saul Junction (where there was an intersection with the Stroudwater Canal) and the length from Saul Junction to Gloucester. A special section features the re-alignment of the canal at Two Mile Bend, and another page provides an Ordnance Survey map and information about access.

The Vessels pages provide information about vessels that use (or have used) Gloucester Docks and the Sharpness Canal, particularly highlighting the classic ships that come for overhaul, the commercial shipping at Sharpness and a coaster which loaded in Gloucester in 2004. Further pages feature working boats past and present, local and visiting pleasure craft and boats to be seen at the National Waterways Museum in Gloucester.

The People pages provide information about people who's working lives were connected with Gloucester Docks and the Sharpness Canal, currently featuring the Canal Company management, bridgemen, lock keepers at Gloucester, corn trade, timber trade, Bristol Channel pilots and the contribution of three local families. In due course, it is intended to add information about other people who worked for the Canal Company and about the businesses that were connected with the canal and docks, and any contributions of stories and/or photographs will be welcome. A further page lists local records that are useful to those researching their family history.

The Studies pages provide more detailed information about particular topics connected with Gloucester Docks, Sharpness Docks and the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal that have aroused interest for one reason or another. In due course, it is intended to cover additional topics, particularly in response to queries raised and/or material contributed.