the docks, the dock walls and quays, coal loading equipment and railways to deliver coal from the mines to the docks. A second dock and second entrance lock were added in 1898. Barry Dock Offices was built in 1897-1900 by the architect Arthur E. Bell.

In 1909, between 8,000 and 10,000 men were employed in the docks, and by 1913, the docks were the busiest coal port in the world, exporting 11.05 million tons at peak. Coal exports declined after World War I (1914–18). Strikes and the Great Depression of the 1930s caused further problems. The docks proved useful during World War II (1939–45). They were nationalised soon after the war ended. The Geest company used the docks to import West Indian bananas from 1959 until the 1980s. From 1957 obsolete railway cars and steam locomotives were stored on sidings beside the docks before being scrapped. More than 200 locomotives were recovered by enthusiasts for conservation or restoration. Parts of the docks have become industrial estates such as the Atlantic Trading Estate, and the area around the first dock, now called The Waterfront, has been redeveloped for residential and commercial use. The second dock is still active.

Contents  [hide]
1 Location
2 Background
3 Construction
3.1 Project launch
3.2 Dams and excavation
3.3 Railways and docks
3.4 Completion
4 Facilities
4.1 Approach channel
4.2 Dock basin
4.3 Lady Windsor Lock
4.4 Docks
4.5 Machinery and labour
5 History
5.1 Boom years
5.2 Decline
5.3 Scrapyard
6 Recent years
6.1 Urban development
6.2 Commercial operations
7 References
8 Sources
Location[edit]

The Bendricks looking west. The lighthouse at the entrance to the channel leading to the docks is just visible. Barry island on the skyline