Geograph - photograph every grid square

Sharpness docks stand on the tidal upper reaches of the Severn estuary where the tidal range is up to 10m, one of the World's highest. This basin is where ships wanting to enter the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal wait for a high tide before entering the lock visible (centre right) in this picture. Authorized in 1793 by an Act of Parliament the Gloucester and Berkeley Ship Canal, as it was then named was completed in April 1827. At that time it was the broadest and deepest canal in the world. When the canal first opened anyone could pilot a ship through the canal. In 1849 the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal Company arranged for potential pilots to be examined by the local Sub-Commissioners of Pilots appointed by Trinity House. One of the first officially appointed pilots was Jeremiah Speck, who worked as a pilot from 1849 to 1873. His son, John Speck also worked as a pilot from 1881 to 1901. Also see SO6702 : Swing bridge at Sharpness Docks