epw019270 ENGLAND (1927). Avonmouth Dock, Avonmouth, 1927

Avonmouth Station

Judging by the number of waiting vans (more than 180 all told) the handling of bananas was a big operation but perhaps with unpredictable demands on wagons. All the waiting vans are an indication of the lack of efficiency in vehicle use - vehicles standing in the yard are not earning revenue.

Banana vans circulating through the transhipment shed for loading/having been loaded.

Banana Boat

Many of these wagons carry the GWR White circle indication found on banana vans. This would suggest that the white ship standing beside the large transhipment shed is a ‘banana boat’. There are several lines of banana vans on the surrounding tracks. Unlike today when imported bananas arrive chilled, in 1927 they would arrive green and have been put in steam-heated wagons to help ripen them ready for the markets in Birmingham and the north. Most of the bananas for the south came in through Southampton. For a rather poor illustration of a GWR banana van in its preserved state, complete with its white spot, go to www.flickr.com/photos/svr_enthusiast/7740976996/

River Avon

Swash Channel

East Pier

Pier Station

Board of Trade office

Swing bridge

Possibly a dredger with crane

Tug

Possible granaries and associated flour mill

Royal Edward Dock

South Pier

Graving dock

Entrance lock

Junction Cut

Entrance lock, since disused

Granaries

Granary in 1916 [Ordnance Survey map]

Hydraulics accumulator tower, presumably; very similar to the one preserved at Briton Ferry

Cook Street

Collins Street

Portview Road

Avonmouth Railway Station GWR