DOWN Memory Lane this week returns to Tilbury docks. With the build up to the 60th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush, which we celebrate on June 21 and 22, the next few weeks will see this column visit the Tilbury dock area.
The focus of the arrival is at the landing stage opened in 1930, but my featured photograph this week is of the first landing stage and railway terminus at Tilbury. The railway and station building was contracted by the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway Company to Messrs Peto, Brassey and Betts.
The line was officially opened on April 13 1854.
The terminus at Tilbury allowed passengers to use the ancient Tilbury - Gravesend ferry, the station was originally called the Tilbury Fort.
The station had a covered way bridge leading down to the floating pontoon allowing the steam powered ferries to operate even at low tide.
The ferries at that time were named after local themes - The Tilbury, The Earl of Essex and Earl of Leicester - and operated off the Town Pier at Gravesend and Tilbury.
HISTORY FEEDBACK: I will be looking into the link between Eileen Fowler and Thurrock.
Does anybody have a memory of her local classes in Health and Beauty? Beryl Germann, now living in Canada, has contacted me, with a photo and wants to find out more about Eileen's Thurrock link.
HISTORY FACT OF THE WEEK:: June 14, 1640: A rate levied for the relief of the poor, raised nineteen pounds, 12 shillings and four and half pence at Aveley.
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