Ratcliffe Wharf

This naive diorama or model shows the waterfront at Ratcliffe Wharf in about 1860. To the left can be seen the Ship Tavern with its riverside deck and large bay window typical of riverside public houses. To the right is the gable ended coal wharf operated by J&T Charringtons from 1857. Ratcliffe Wharf was equipped with two hydraulic cranes and weighing platforms for the discharge of cargoes. The model indicates that collier ships would initially discharge coal into large skips in waiting barges that would then unload at the wharf. Beyond the arched arcade can be seen a covered barge dock. Ratcliffe Wharf eventually declined in the face of specialist discharging facilities at the docks and William Corey's coaling derricks.