The LNER Encyclopedia

I want to find out more about the operational relationship between the LNER and the PLA (Port of London Authority). In particular, inter-war goods traffic and movements around the former Royal Docks (Victoria, Albert, King George V)

In spite of a fascinating day, sifting through the Museum of London's archive room material (at the Museum in Docklands, West India Quay), plus a further day's trawl at the British Library, I've not come across suitable reference photograps, documents, etc

Can anyone shed any light on this seeming elusive topic?

Hello Duncan,

There's a book titled London's Local Railways by Alan A. Jackson and published in 1999 by Capital Transport Publishing, 38 Long Elmes, Harrow Wood, Middlesex.

I don't have the book, but I remember there being about twenty or so pages being devoted to railways and the Port of London Authority. The link below says the book is 112 pages, but I seem to remember it being much more than that.

Here's a link:

http://www.ekmpowershop1.com/ekmps/shop ... -136-p.asp

Good luck.

Hello Duncan, I don't know if you received all of the information that you needed, but having only now read your request I offer the following, based on my own experiences in the late 1940's / early 50's.

The PLA operated transfer sidings at a yard situated to the North of Victoria Dock. From that yard, engines from Hornsey M.P.D. worked trains to Clarence Yard, Finsbury Pk; Ferme Pk ; Southgate; New Barnet.

The traffic would be (1) loaded meat vans for Clarence Yd.
(2) seaborne gas-coal for Southgate or New Barnet.
(3) empty wagons for Ferme Park.

The locomotives used were Ivatt J52's and the gas-coal loads of 22 wagons provided a challenge for the lucky fireman, especially if the loaded wagons had been subjected to heavy rainfall.

This seemed to be the only traffic between the ex-GN and the PLA, but of course there would be other trains to the ex-GE section and possibly other lines.
I have seen trains of gas-coal or the like, heading down through Tottenham obviously for the gas-works at Angel Rd., or perhaps the power generating station at Brimsdown and suppose that these originated at Vic.Dock.

One other detail, which seems amusing now, when the crew filled the tank at Victoria Dock before working away the Driver had to complete a form giving the engine and train details as a receipt for "One tank of water", this form (known as a Water Ticket) was left at the water crane. Presumably the LNER/BR was charged for it!!
Luckily the water for our tea-can came free of charge.

I hope that this is of use.
Alec Ramsdale.

Duncan

We have published articles with illustrations in the GERS Journal regarding the docks, including history of the Millwall Docks Railway.

Rodger Green of the Society has a particular interest in the docks and he can be contacted throught he Society.

Most of the Society records can be seen at the Essex Record Office in Chelmsford, including a full set of the Journals.

Details on the Society web site http://www.gersociety.org.uk

Regards
Paul

Splendid - thanks for the links and info - and, Alec, for sharing your evocative memories!

Thanks and kind regards

Duncan