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Manouevring a concrete caisson JLP01_01_063_04
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Manouevring a concrete caisson JLP01_01_063_04
TILBURY DOCKS, CHADWELL ST MARY, THURROCK, ESSEX. A view of the cooling water intake caisson for Coryton Oil Refinery leaving Tilbury Dock to begin its journey down the Thames.
During the Second World War, John Laing & Son Ltd had built some of the floating caissons for the Mulberry harbour which were used in the D-day landings. This 4, 200 ton concrete water intake caisson was built along the lines of the Mulberry harbour and was towed 8 miles down the Thames from Tilbury Dock to be installed as part of Coryton Oil Refinery on the 14th March 1952. It was built between 1951 and 1952
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24180664
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
1950s Concrete People River Transport Water Transport Work Caisson
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in history as a concrete caisson is skillfully maneuvered through Tilbury Docks, Chadwell St Mary, Thurrock, Essex. The imposing structure is the cooling water intake caisson for Coryton Oil Refinery, embarking on its journey down the majestic Thames River. What makes this image even more remarkable is its connection to World War II. During those tumultuous times, John Laing & Son Ltd played a crucial role in constructing floating caissons for the Mulberry harbour used during the D-day landings. This 4,200-ton masterpiece follows in the footsteps of those historic structures and was built along similar lines. The sheer magnitude of this undertaking becomes apparent when considering that it took eight miles of careful navigation down the Thames to reach its final destination at Coryton Oil Refinery. Constructed between 1951 and 1952, this colossal caisson became an integral part of refining operations on March 14th, 1952. In this snapshot from A© Historic England Archive by Joh, we witness not only engineering prowess but also human determination and hard work. It serves as a testament to our ability to conquer challenges and shape our surroundings with innovation and perseverance. As we gaze upon this photograph filled with concrete giants amidst flowing waters, we are reminded of how transportation has always been vital for progress and development throughout history.
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