Canning Dock

Circa 1737 and 1845
Grade II

Canning Dock was originally constructed around 1737 as a dry, tidal, dock and indeed was then called "The Dry Dock". The north west wall, now part of George's Dock Passage, is believed to have been built then, as part of a pier.

It is therefore almost certainly the oldest visible dock retaining wall in the dock system. 

Although the wall has been damaged in parts and repaired in concrete, substantial parts of it appear to be of the original construction. It is constructed in courses of massive sandstone blocks. 

The dock tapers in plan from the south to the north and at the very north end is the narrow passage, which originally gave access to George's Dock. 

Along the west dock wall is a transit shed of around 1932, which replaced a 19th century transit shed, but in the 18th century this area was known as Nova Scotia, a colourful part of Liverpool, crowded with public houses, shops and warehouses.   

Some of the most famous views of the Pier Head group of buildings are those looking north across Canning Dock. 

 

Canning Half-Tide Dock Retaining Walls 
1844 
Grade II    

This dock was built on the approximate location of an earlier tidal passage into Canning Dock and is still essentially a passage, which can be entered or left at half-tide, now giving access to both Albert Dock and Canning Dock. However, the dock is wide enough for moorings along the north and south walls.