Heybridge Basin (Cannibal Island)

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Shipping activities

The village saw many types of shipping activities over the years, some just lay at anchor outside in the Reach unloading into lighters and converted barges while others that could, entered through the lock into the Basin. Cargo's of coal, wood, hay, eels and aggregate's to name but a few. Coal was unloded from the ships called 'Colliers' by the 'Whipping' method, 3 men jumping. Shutters were removed from the bows of Scandinavian ships to pass the timber through. Then of course there was an array of Sailing Barges and large vessels including a warship brought in by Arthur Butcher of May& Butcher for breaking, and even a group of RN Gunboats awaiting delivery as well as other small Naval craft during WW2.

(above) An early 20th Century scene of a barge arriving off the Basin. The most prominent building being the bright fronted aptly named 'Sunnyside' H.M.C. (Home for Motherless Children).

(above) an early picture of a crowded Basin of Brigs and barges.

(above) empty barges lay alongside the quay behind a fully loaded 'Stacky Barge', with a Brig in front of it. A large three master appears to be at anchor mid Basin.

(above) Live eels being unloaded from the Danish 'Kathrine Peterson' in 1947.

(above) A ship from Holland heavily laden with deck cargo.

(above) first ship to enter the lengthened lock.

(above) The largest vessel in beam to use the lock, the Dutch 300 ton 'Caribia' with a cargo of timber for Brown's. The largest in length were some of the sailing vessels, the rail on the inner lock gate had to be made removeable for their overhanging bowsprits.

(above & below) the last ship in trade to use the Basin the 'Conland' approaching the lock. January 1972.

(above) early on the tide, Hauling 'Dawn' in to the lock.

(above) the ex Baltic Trader 'Borneo' approaching the lock in the 70's