In a message dated 13/08/2004 14:55:53 GMT Daylight Time, ADRABBOTT@aol.com writes: Does anyone know where it was, and if there was a ferry nearby? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> In 1827 John Hardcastle was a shipbuilder on Thornhill's Wharf, which was at the bottom of Pottery Bank, There were two ferries in this area which is further down the river than the Sunderland Ferry, dating from the seventh century, which ran from the bottom of Bodlewell Lane. At the East end of the wharf which was later called the Commissioners' Quay was a slipway, and a ferry ran from there to Sand Point Road at the East end of the North Sands Shipbuilding Yard. I would assume that this is 'Hardcastle's Slipway' although it is not marked as such. There was also the 'Low Ferry' which ran from the Custom House Quay to Strand Street at the West end of the North Sands Shipbuilding Yard. In 1830, which was before the building of the South Docks, Thornhill's Wharf was at the entrance to the river, and would fit with the report for 16th May 1830. The ferry mentioned in that report was most probably the Sunderland Ferry. I hope this helps? Regards Stan Mapstone www.mapstone.org