Prince's Dock, Liverpool
Part of Liverpool Docks
The dock was built by John Foster (1758-1827), with construction starting around 1810. During the construction, Foster ordered many times more stone than was needed. Allegedly, Foster diverted it to his family's building company. He resigned when this was discovered.
The dock was named for the Prince Regent. Still unfinished, it opened on the day of the Prince Regent's coronation as George IV in 1821. Access to the southern half of the dock system was via George's Basin, George's Dock and into Canning Dock. In 1874 George's Basin was filled, and in 1899 George's Dock was filled and the site used to create what is now the Pier Head.
On 12 June 1895 Liverpool Riverside Station was opened, situated between Prince's Dock and the River Mersey.
In 1968 B&I Line (operator of the Liverpool - Dublin service) commenced a new car ferry service from Carriers' Dock further downriver. A passenger only service continued to use Prince's Dock until 1969.
Ferry services from Prince's Dock finally ended in November 1981 when P&O Ferries closed their Liverpool - Belfast overnight service. The dock subsequently closed to shipping and was partly filled.