Then and Now - Gloucester Docks

Today the Wheelers had tea in the new Sainsburys in Gloucester Quays. The cafe is big and modern with nice views. It was well staffed. The food was very good and reasonably priced. The red label loose leaf tea is a particular treat. It is a pity that the service is so slow and inefficient. I have no doubt that this will improve as the store sorts itself out. Before we returned I had a quick spin around the docks to do a couple more then and now shots.

Victoria Basin is sporting a ferris wheel this summer. I would have liked to have taken the image from a higher location because Peter had managed to get onto a balcony. Nowadays the balcony appears to be blocked in by two blocks of flats and access is restricted. I had to make do with a slightly lower viewpoint.

From blogpics

This is Victoria Basin in the late 60s. Timber businesses are in the location where you will now find a pub. One says "Gloucester Flooring Supplies". At the right and on the floor there is a metal sign that has collapsed that says "BULK GRAIN". The more distant warehouses are not yet obscured. The basin still has several working boats including the Glevum and Severn Trader, Sabrina 4 and 6.

From G2721

Llanthony and Biddle Warehouses today boast bright painted names and have been refurbished. Canal tours leave from the back of the Llanthony. All cars have been banished and there is not one in the picture.

From blogpics

Here is the dock in the 70s. Pleasure craft are creeping into the dock. Where the back of the museum is now sit stacks of timber and a slate blue mini. If you could see the high resolution version you'd also see a bicycle leaning against one of the timber stacks. The bicycle has a saddle bag similar to a Carradice and there is a man in jeans next to it. You would also see that the Biddle warehouse still has the external lift cage. Now it only has the roof projection left. there are two more cars on the dockside in the distance.

From G2721