Locks, basin and docks on the River Thames at London, 1796.

Diagram showing a section of the river and locks, basin and docks at Wapping at spring and neap tides. Indicated on the diagram are the level of marsh land, high and low water marks, and basins for the reception of loaded ships communicating with the river by means of the locks. The Thames was one of the busiest waterways in the world, bringing cargo from all corners of the globe. Illustration from the 'Report from the Committee Appointed to Enquire into the Best Mode of Providing Sufficient Accommodation for the Increased Trade and Shipping of the Port of London', produced by the House of Commons and published in London in 1796.