The Dock Boundary Wall

The dock boundary wall is a most striking feature because of its grand scale, both in length and height, and because of its purpose to inhibit theft and smuggling. 

It was built over a period of approximately 30 years by different dock engineers. It varies in height and materials along its length of approximately 2.75 km, but is generally around 5.5m high and is a strong linear feature, making a crucial contribution to the grain and local distinctiveness of this part of Liverpool. 

Its purpose was to control rather than prevent access from the town into the docks, and the monumental gateways with their heavy wooden gates sliding in iron guide rails effectively made the docks into a fortress-like stronghold. 

The design of the various gate piers demonstrate a fascinating progression from Foster's early classical style to Hartley's whimsical turrets.

Incorporated into the wall at numerous points along both sides of its length are a vast array of interesting details, such as drinking fountains, policemen's huts, remnants of the overhead railway and panels with the names of the docks behind it, carved into masonry.