North Warehouse, Gloucester Docks

Image: © Rudi Winter Taken: 16 Mar 2019

The North Warehouse is the oldest warehouse at Gloucester Docks, built in 1826, i.e. just before the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal was opened in April 1827 to enable seagoing ships of the time to reach Gloucester. By 1829, the warehouse was already working at full capacity. Originally floor space was rented by many small businesses according to their individual needs for storage of various materials. However, following the repeal of the corn laws in 1846, the Canal Company decided to let the two halves of the building to two corn merchants as sole occupiers. The building continued to be used in its entirety until 1962, when the upper floors were condemned as derelict. The ground floor and cellars were in use until 1975. After a decade of abandonment, the warehouse was refurbished and turned into office accommodation for Gloucester City Council in 1986. To the left of the sign saying "North Warehouse" can be seen the bell installed to signal the begin and end of shifts for the warehouse workers. It is known as the Atlas Bell as the original bell was taken from a ship of that name. https://www.gloucesterdocks.me.uk/gloucester/warehouses/northwarehouse.htm A steam crane similar http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6095381to the ones which would once have operated in Gloucester Docks can be seen on North Quay in front of the building.

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