The tidal river entrance has been modified over the years to provide a series of wharves suitable for small cargo vessels to come alongside for transhipment. These have mostly disappeared in recent times with only the old railway wharf, above the sliding pedestrian bridge, still serving this purpose. The rest have been modified with floating pontoons for small craft and fishing boats. 

The late 1800s and early 1900s witnessed the transition from sail to steam and this is reflected in the postcards. Shipping was a favourite subject for photographers such a Frank Spry and William Wareham.  

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