The Docks
Goole is one of the few places in the country where the public can access the docks. Carry on along Aire Street and you end up on a public footpath which meanders across through the docks, across a bridge and lock and out to bridge street.
This is the best place to view dock activity, though watch out for reversing fork lifts.
The docks making up the port are as follows
- Barge Dock, 1826 - one of the original docks when the port as opened. Ocean Lock now connects this dock to the river.
- Harbour Dock (The Basin), 1826 - another of the original docks. This was filled in during the 1960's.
- Ship Dock, 1826 - another of the original docks
- Ouse Dock, 1836 - Contained Hoists No. 1 and 2. It also had a dry dock. Previously this dock was called the 'Steam Boat Dock' and the 'Steam Ship Dock'
- Railway Dock, 1848 - Contained the Tannett Walker and Ormerod Grierson railway coal hoists and a 50-ton electric crane. This dock was built so that the A&C had more control over railway operations when the L&YR reached the town.
- Aldham Dock, 1881 - The link between Aldam and Railway Docks to Ouse Dock was built in 1913 to ease overcrowding.
- Stanhope Dock, 1891 - Originally called the 'New Extension Dock.' Contained an Armstrong Whitworth railway coal hoist and a 50-ton hydraulic crane. This crane was used for heavy loades and coaling, lifting railway coal-wagons, swinging them over a ship's hold and then tipping their contents before returning the wagon to the rails.
- South Dock, 1910 - Contained Hoists No. 4 and 5. It also had a dry dock and connected to the canal. This dock was in effect a widening of the canal to the west of Barge dock to reduce the amount of traffic affecting other shipping operations.
- West Dock, 1912 - This is now the only rail served dock
- Ship Lock, 1826 - one of the original locks when the port as opened. This was filled in during the 1960's
- Barge Lock, 1826 - another of the original locks. This was filled in during the 1960's
- Ouse Lock, 1838 - Built to connect the Ouse Dock to the river
- Victoria Lock, 1888 - This lock was built to cope with the larger vessels using the port
- Ocean Lock, 1938 - The largest lock in the docks. The lock gates were recently replaced and constructed several metres higher, to cope with anticipated rises in the sea-level.
Visitor Comments
Posted by john buck at 29/03/2006 18:00
Could anyone settle an argument my brother worked all his life(working) at the goole shipyard he says goole dry docks were not long enough to take the railway (lanky)boats.Yet im posiitive that in the 1950s I saw the hebble or blyth in the dry dock adjacent to the ouse lock
Posted by pedro at 29/03/2006 18:43
Someone may have photographic proof.but I think your correct
Posted by George Robinson at 30/03/2006 18:55
Yes the Lankies would certainly be able to drydock at Goole, definitely in No2 (off South Dock) but you might well be right about No.1 (Ouse Dock) as well, BLYTH/HEBBLE were 240.5ft long, drydock 252.9ft and enough width for them at the entrance. But from my brief time at Goole I recall the problem at No.1 was the high sill level at the entrance so even small coasters had to watch their trim to keep the max. draft down, just looked at some old data and it looks like about 11.5ft on the sill with normal dock water level .... so I don't know if the Lankies could be got below that draft to get in.
Posted by Peter Harrison at 30/03/2006 20:34
Yes repairs were carried out in dry docks at Goole To the Lankys
mostly small jobs tho.As Goole was very busy ship building etc.The company wanted them back in service ASAP.So Immingham usually got most of the work(probobly financial reasons also)But Goole did indeed get some of the annual survay work---you won your bet
mostly small jobs tho.As Goole was very busy ship building etc.The company wanted them back in service ASAP.So Immingham usually got most of the work(probobly financial reasons also)But Goole did indeed get some of the annual survay work---you won your bet
Posted by antony norris at 01/04/2006 23:22
Can anyone confirm or deny what I thought I had read that they do use a working steam loco on the dock railway. Or was it just a pleasant dream?
Posted by Stuart (Webmaster) at 03/04/2006 09:44
The photo link on the railways page was from a special charter weekend July 2002. There was an article and several photos in Heritage Railway Magazine (http://www.classicissues.com/bidetailh.asp?AutoNo=1000300)
Posted by Mick Evans at 05/04/2006 01:46
I was down on Goole Docks taking some photo's earlier today and I could swear that part of the Aldam Dock has now been filled in (alongside Lowther Street). Am I correct in my thinking?
It is now used as a container storage area and was previosuly occupied by a large coil hoist and was the berth that the dredger Goole Bight used to use along with some other small craft. Today the ODIN was at berth on there.
It is now used as a container storage area and was previosuly occupied by a large coil hoist and was the berth that the dredger Goole Bight used to use along with some other small craft. Today the ODIN was at berth on there.
Posted by GEORGE ROBINSON at 07/04/2006 21:57
Mick, Aldam was altered back in mid 1990's I think, used to be wider and had a 'T' shaped head similar to Stanhope Dock, the hoist was scrapped and that side part-filled to make room for the bigger PAL Line ships.
George
George
Posted by Ed Pollard at 24/06/2006 17:06
I sailed on the SS Irwell SS Hodder and SS Hebble I remember we used Immingham
Posted by Diana Price at 07/09/2006 16:56
I would be interested in any information regarding the SS EMPIRE OAK, which I believe had some connection with Goole. It was launched March 1941 and was Torpedoed and sunk in August 1941. My father served in the Merchant Navy on her and was lost with the ship. Any info would be appreciated. Thank you, Diana Price.
Posted by Sian Thomas at 19/09/2006 20:32
My Great Uncle, Harold Preston, aged 19 yrs, was one of the 13 crewmen to die on the Empire Oak, I would like to find out any information related to the ship, its voyage and the events surrounding its demise.
Many thanks
Many thanks
Posted by Stuart (Webmaster) at 20/09/2006 12:54
Sian,
Please look on the ships page where there is another thread about this ship.
Please look on the ships page where there is another thread about this ship.
Posted by Elaine Jones at 10/11/2006 02:05
My great-uncle, Frank Tuxworth, was a policeman in Goole, pre World War 2. I believe he drowned in Goole docks but do not know why and my mother was not told - has anyone heard of this incident please?
Posted by Andrew Murray at 28/12/2006 22:21
Hi,
I am trying to find out some info on a boat that I believe was built in Goole about 1981. She is a 28' 6" fibreglass constructed motor sailer with one mast. Does anyone know if it is possible she was built there and by whom? (Any boat builders still operating?)
Thank you in advance for any assistance in this matter.
Andrew
I am trying to find out some info on a boat that I believe was built in Goole about 1981. She is a 28' 6" fibreglass constructed motor sailer with one mast. Does anyone know if it is possible she was built there and by whom? (Any boat builders still operating?)
Thank you in advance for any assistance in this matter.
Andrew
Posted by Stuart (Webmaster) at 28/12/2006 22:32
Andrew,
Try the website http://riversea.tugtalk.co.uk/goole/goolesb.htm for comprehensive details of Goole-built vessels. At first glance, your boat doesn't appear to be there but George, who runs the site, is a minefield of information.
Try the website http://riversea.tugtalk.co.uk/goole/goolesb.htm for comprehensive details of Goole-built vessels. At first glance, your boat doesn't appear to be there but George, who runs the site, is a minefield of information.
Posted by V J Cini at 24/02/2007 15:52
I am trying to identify the name of a ship my father worked on,
I know it used to work out of Goole in the late 60's and I can only recall the name as been THE LANSIGN or something very similar.
Can anybody recall a ship of that name or a name like it
Thankyou
I know it used to work out of Goole in the late 60's and I can only recall the name as been THE LANSIGN or something very similar.
Can anybody recall a ship of that name or a name like it
Thankyou
Posted by Shuffleton Streets at 07/03/2007 19:50
More than likely that a 28 footer was built by a small shipbuilder, like Smiths, but ... I only know they had a yard down Dutch River Side, taken over in time by Goole Marina ... I used to do annual refit duty down there, long before the eighties though. More like the fifties.
Posted by John at 15/03/2007 13:02
Can anyone throw any light on what I believe was a unique crane on Goole Docks? It was located near Stanhope Street and visible from what was then the back door of the old Marks and Spencers shop.
Apparently it used a chain over two pulleys and it operated by the chain being pushed out of line with the pulleys using a hydraulic cylinder. I didn't study it while it was there and its now long gone or so I am informed.
My memory is hazy but I think our teacher ("Ted" Hutchinson) told us about it whilst I was still at school quite a while ago.
Apparently it used a chain over two pulleys and it operated by the chain being pushed out of line with the pulleys using a hydraulic cylinder. I didn't study it while it was there and its now long gone or so I am informed.
My memory is hazy but I think our teacher ("Ted" Hutchinson) told us about it whilst I was still at school quite a while ago.
Posted by GEORGE ROBINSON at 23/03/2007 17:42
Vessel mentioned two messages above is probably the LANCING, a collier operated by Stephenson Clarke and regularly loading in Goole.
Posted by GEORGE ROBINSON at 23/03/2007 17:46
For John, the crane next to Stanhope Street which you mention would be the old fixed-jib hydraulic crane which was there for most of the 1900's, if you click on 'Archive Photos' link at top right of this page you will see it in the photos at right hand end of the first two rows of photos.
Posted by Daniel at 04/05/2007 13:02
I have heard that Goole docks in extreme situations can be drained. Is this true? If so how much of the dock can be drained? and how is is drained?
I have never seen a dock control room, just several small ABP offices.
I have never seen a dock control room, just several small ABP offices.
Posted by pedro at 17/05/2007 22:02
wow it would be some extreme situation to drain Goole docks
locks maybe.all the docks are interlinked I guess the first thing one would have to do would ensure canal lock gates are closed
lol..What a sight to behold hopefully no ships would be in port
locks maybe.all the docks are interlinked I guess the first thing one would have to do would ensure canal lock gates are closed
lol..What a sight to behold hopefully no ships would be in port
Posted by Stuart (Webmaster) at 18/05/2007 08:57
The book 'Railway on the Water' by Harold Crabtree mentions that in extreme situations the water level in the docks could be lowered to recover sunken Tom Pudding compartments
Posted by pedro at 21/05/2007 16:48
I too intrigued now how it would be done.I personally have witnessed many salvage ops inc tom puds but the only ones I saw were with BTC or was is Air Calder Navigation divers same ones used for problems with the lock gates.
Posted by Stuart (Webmaster) at 21/05/2007 20:44
"On one occasion the water level in the docks was lowered to recover sunken compartments, but this could be done only when it would not interfere with shipping." - Page 96
Posted by MATTHEW FIELDS at 12/06/2007 01:11
HI,does anyone know any info on the crane operators as my grandad gillibert hoier i think was one...doesnt talk about it much just goes on about who owned this house or that shop.
i moved down south when i was a kid so dont see him much...
can anyone recommend any links,books ...thanks
i moved down south when i was a kid so dont see him much...
can anyone recommend any links,books ...thanks
Posted by Debbie Davies at 18/06/2007 20:52
Hi, wondered if anyone out there can help me? Does anyone know of a bridge in the docks being called 'William Pickard's Bridge'. He was the second husband of my Great Aunt, Emma Anne Pickard, formerly Holmes , nee Hallifax & they ran a fish chip shop in George Street. Rumour has it that for some reason this bridge adopted his name ???
Posted by pedro at 21/06/2007 22:55
Pickards bridge was a footbridge across the docks one would cross from old Goole to Goole(or vice versa) and over the Lowther Bridge into Aire St. Next to what was called the Buzzer house.I feel its most likely named pickards because of the short cut to the chippy fom dock to George St rather than historic reasons.I/E by dock workers and such going for lunch.For example we have a mad dog lane and a cattle arch among other locally named places.
Posted by Debbie Davies at 21/06/2007 23:21
Many Thanks Pedro! Guessed it was a name that the dockers adopted. Could you recommend any book which may have old photo's of the docks & possibly this bridge ??
Posted by pedro at 22/06/2007 07:41
Debbie try searching Francis Frith collection of photos for goole docks. click on arial photos its not very clear but on Ref AFA13699br the small bridge bottom right is pickards.Top left is the large lowther bridge leading into Aire St.George St used to be off this street on the right.
Posted by Debbie Davies at 23/06/2007 18:27
Brilliant !! Many Thanks again Pedro
Posted by Robert Ward at 27/06/2007 16:23
Just got a copy of newly published book, Martin Bairstow's Railways in East Yorkshire Volume 3, which has an interesting section on Goole Docks, also a section on Hull docks, plus other things, such as a great photo of the Selby Push'n'pull going through the railway gates in the 1950s.
Posted by sue wood at 17/10/2007 18:08
I am trying to find any information relating to my ggrandfather, Master Mariner Mark Hargrave,further information who had a part share in a ship called ELITE,registration no. 67839, built by William Caisley in 1883 at ? Howden Dyke.I would be most grateful if you could help, or point me in the right direction to get further information.
Posted by pedro at 15/03/2008 18:27
For Sue
Researching my family of mariners I came across a reference to Mark Robert Hargrave born knottingley 1855 (master mariner) Wife Ethelinda Susannah Burston born1856
Children Robert-Jabez-fred and John B.
Marks parents were Jabez and Ann (nee Hudson)
Dunno if its the same one your looking for
Researching my family of mariners I came across a reference to Mark Robert Hargrave born knottingley 1855 (master mariner) Wife Ethelinda Susannah Burston born1856
Children Robert-Jabez-fred and John B.
Marks parents were Jabez and Ann (nee Hudson)
Dunno if its the same one your looking for
Posted by Geoff LeVoguer at 30/03/2008 12:43
Just read the posting by V.J.Cini.
Sorry if this is late coming.
My father, Charlie, sailed on the Lancing with a Joe Cini out of Goole in the '60s. He held him in high regard. I recall taking my father to Leeds to visit him at his home after he retired in '72. I remember Joe telling me that he had given up the sea for a shore job and was surprised that my father had stayed at sea until ill health forced him to retire.
Sorry if this is late coming.
My father, Charlie, sailed on the Lancing with a Joe Cini out of Goole in the '60s. He held him in high regard. I recall taking my father to Leeds to visit him at his home after he retired in '72. I remember Joe telling me that he had given up the sea for a shore job and was surprised that my father had stayed at sea until ill health forced him to retire.
Posted by George Wild at 11/05/2008 21:30
My wife's grandfather ( Peter Leddy) was Harbourmaster at Goole up to 1915. Can anyone give information about him, or indicate where information can be found.Thanks
Posted by helen at 12/06/2008 22:54
hi can anyone tell me where germany dock is, my ggg uncle drowned in germany dock but cant find where it is
thanx helen
thanx helen
Posted by Stuart (Webmaster) at 18/06/2008 22:26
There's an image of Germany Dock (albeit poor quality) at http://www.web-exhibition.net/details.aspx?id=814
The name Germany Dock isn't used nowadays and it's hard to tell from the image which of today's docks it is.
The name Germany Dock isn't used nowadays and it's hard to tell from the image which of today's docks it is.
Posted by Tom at 07/07/2008 17:26
Hi, I am looking to go fishing and Goole is the closest place to where I live with access to the sea, does anybody know of any fishing trips that run from Goole?
Posted by Stuart (Webmaster) at 07/07/2008 18:40
Not sure you'd catch much in the river nowadays (although see http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/country-view/When-the-Ouse-was-leaping.3857304.jp)
Bridlington is probably a better place to go sea-fishing, see http://www.ukcharterboats.co.uk/acatalog/Sea_Fishing_Charter_Boats_Bridlington_Harbour.html
Bridlington is probably a better place to go sea-fishing, see http://www.ukcharterboats.co.uk/acatalog/Sea_Fishing_Charter_Boats_Bridlington_Harbour.html
Posted by pedro at 18/07/2008 19:03
I read the article Stuart. By Lucy Oates I also lived thro this period but unlike her I dont recall living on salmon dads catch went directly to Arthur Storr or Hopleys.I still have dads fishing licence (havent yet got around to giving it to Goole museum)the nets not unlike the ones kids use today for tiddlers.Where about 3ft diameter with a pole some 6ft long the small boats on the riverbank along Hook Rd were limited to areas of fishing i/e from the Ocean lock up to Boothferry Rail Bridge outside these areas one was poaching(quite a lot went on)I recall porpoise leaping and chasing salmon,so glad to see the river finally cleaning up.Last year I spotted a seal and a porpoise in the same area sadly I only had binoculars with me no camera.
Still looking.
Still looking.
Posted by JAYNE at 24/07/2008 21:45
I would like anyone who has any old photos or memories about what used to be Mariners Arms (is now Fst n Last) on South Street in Old Goole to get in touch with us please
Posted by Alan Anderson at 12/11/2008 16:37
Ref ,"Germany Dock." Helens posting 12.6.2008.
I have a 1905 Map that shows "Old Hamburg shed" just to the right of Lowther Bridge from Aire St. side. Would this be any indication where it was? Bye Alan
I have a 1905 Map that shows "Old Hamburg shed" just to the right of Lowther Bridge from Aire St. side. Would this be any indication where it was? Bye Alan
Posted by bernard at 20/01/2009 23:29
Hey im looking for dry dock designs with the locking doors going through through the width of the dock(slidin from one end to the next) rather than open in two halves.Is this possible? I want to know if it can be used in small dock like a 30-40ft width.Actual pics would be nice.Thank you.
Posted by Alan Anderson. at 24/01/2009 22:22
Bernard,ref your question of Dry dock gates.There are some gates that 'Lay down' in one piece in the lock as at ST.Kathrines Haven London,near Tower Bridge.
Posted by jaon preece at 24/04/2009 18:34
Hi im looking to get any information about my humber keel The Floss.She sat in goole for many years when she was owned by the Taylor family.She was built in Gainsborough in 1937 and worked for Spillars and Furleys (we think).Now trying to get any photos of her and more information.
We are currently converting her for our new home.
Many thanks for any help.......Jason and kirstie
We are currently converting her for our new home.
Many thanks for any help.......Jason and kirstie
Posted by Jeni Dealtry at 20/05/2009 14:37
Elaine Jones posted a comment regarding the late Frank Tuxworth - he was married to my Aunt in I think 1918. His death was in 1947. Please reply as I may have information.
Posted by jeni dealtry at 05/06/2009 01:09
Does anyone know Elaine Jones from blog 2007? Pease contact me
Posted by Barry Morgan at 12/08/2009 15:20
Hello Can anyone out there help me with my "memories trip"
I sailed out of Goole in 1957/8 on the Collier "Gwynwood" my captain was Capt. Collier. I am trying to obtain any photoes of the France Fenwick ship Gwynwood, Hopeing to make a model for the Museum. Thanking you in anticipation..Baz.
I sailed out of Goole in 1957/8 on the Collier "Gwynwood" my captain was Capt. Collier. I am trying to obtain any photoes of the France Fenwick ship Gwynwood, Hopeing to make a model for the Museum. Thanking you in anticipation..Baz.
Posted by DAVID COOK at 01/09/2009 09:24
SS GYWNWOOD My grandfather was the Captain on a simily named vessel that was sunk in WW2 on the 4/2/41.
I was wondering if there are any surviving relatives or descendants of the other crew members that perished when it was sunk in HULL Docks by a German aircraft.
I was wondering if there are any surviving relatives or descendants of the other crew members that perished when it was sunk in HULL Docks by a German aircraft.
Posted by Bill at 04/10/2009 19:27
As a very young lad in the late 50's and an avid reader of the Goole Times, I could never, in my naievity, understand why so many ladies were regularly prosecuted for 'trespassing on the docks'. Only later did it dawn on me what people meant when they referred to 'dock fairies'. I wonder if this is a tradition and a source of employment that continues today?
Posted by Dave Jeffery at 05/10/2009 09:28
Can anyone tell me the name of the biggest ship ever to dock at Goole?
I know of two that were reported at the time as being on the large size, but never a definitive answer. They were the Norbrit Vaser (excuse spelling!) and the Ince 2 (think that was a renamed ship)
Appreciate any pointers!
Rgds
Dave
I know of two that were reported at the time as being on the large size, but never a definitive answer. They were the Norbrit Vaser (excuse spelling!) and the Ince 2 (think that was a renamed ship)
Appreciate any pointers!
Rgds
Dave
Posted by Patricia Spink at 19/10/2009 22:44
Does anyone know where the Graving Dock was in Goole? My relation's death record is giving this as the place he died in 1904.
Thank you
Thank you
Posted by geoff dedpledge at 21/10/2009 09:28
Hi Dave,
my father was a pilot upto mid 70s and at that time the biggest ship was the Ask, I was on this ship as a child with my dad when docking in Goole, it only just got round the docks. I do not remember her country but it was possibly Danish
my father was a pilot upto mid 70s and at that time the biggest ship was the Ask, I was on this ship as a child with my dad when docking in Goole, it only just got round the docks. I do not remember her country but it was possibly Danish
Posted by Derek Williams at 10/11/2009 10:51
A John Hiscox was living in Goole in 1841, and his occupation in the census return appears to be 'agent to the anti dry dock company'. Does anyone know about this, or what the word 'anti' should read? In case it provides a clue, I will mention that after he left Goole he was a timber merchant.
Posted by steve wright at 18/01/2010 14:27
In the 70s, working for the docks board, I remember the Anglezark, a dredger that used to keep the docks and dock gates free. I think she used to discharge silt out at sea. Wondering if anyone knew what happened to her?
Posted by sue lawson at 29/01/2010 18:49
Help! does anyone recognise the name, (or any part of it - even spelled differently), 'Hans Christian Raavland Wilson', of Dutch decent,(born 1828), a Master Mariner, believed to once have been the Harbour Master at Goole? Please email me with any information whatsoever, i'll be most grateful sue.lawson4@ntlworld.com
Posted by Tez at 25/02/2010 11:37
Hi - I am looking for a family who used to run a pub in Goole along side the docks - I believe mum and dad to be Ashley & Elizabeth with a daughter, Dawn. I think Dawn would have been born in the 60's. Any info greatley appreciated and gladly received xxxxx
Posted by Dave Pidd at 08/03/2010 20:18
Regarding the comment about Graving Dock, if you go to Further Links on the Goole on the web site, select ABP then maps you will now see Graving Dock identified as No1 Dry Dock, beside it is Victoria Lock and Ouse Lock in the middle. An old 1910 map of Goole can be found showing the Graving Dock on the following site:
http://treasurehouse.eastriding.gov.uk/ArchiveMap.aspx?sheet=237
Hope that helps
http://treasurehouse.eastriding.gov.uk/ArchiveMap.aspx?sheet=237
Hope that helps
Posted by Patricia Spink at 01/04/2010 22:49
FAO Dave Pidd.
Thank you very much for the information it is very much appreciated.
Thank you very much for the information it is very much appreciated.
Posted by Bekkie underwood at 26/06/2010 01:55
Hi was wondering if anyone would be able to recall a submarine in the docks!! Me mum said that she rememberd one being in the docks...around the late fifty's or the sixtys. Sadly she has passed away and i remember her telling me when i was little when we were on hols at Grans who used to live on humber street (I still remember the sound of the building in progress of the last ship!!!)
happy days!!
Bekkie
happy days!!
Bekkie
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