Volume Nine - Pre-Victorian to the present day - even more aspects - The Custom House and Dock Offices . . .

I am even more concerned about the validity of the research undertaken for this book [706] since Mr Hilling states (p.94) that Samuel Dobson designed Penarth Dock, which of course is incorrect, since the dock was designed by John Hawkshaw. 

Mr Hilling continues his writings [706] in respect of the Mercantile Marine Offices :

'Alongside the Custom House, and keeping it company in its isolated position, there is bold French Renaissance - style three-storey terrace which appears to have built about the same time and designed by the same hand. It is, for Penarth, a rare example of Victorian housing on the grand scale with an elegant main floor divided into five units of three bays, the centre-bay of each set having full-height pedimented windows and balconies.'

The comment 'designed by the same hand' implies that Samuel Dobson probably designed the Mercantile Marine Offices as well as the Custom House! Is is reasonable to conclude that a former mining engineer, with no apparent formal classical architectural education and heritage, actually designed a 'French Renaissance - style three-storey terrace' together with a ' Pompous and baroquely classical' Custom House?

I conclude that it is myth which has been perpetuated through time and requires correction for posterity. However, I wonder who the credit for these fine constructions should be granted too? All and any assistance in the identification of the actual firm or person(s) would be very welcome, however, the following advertisements are probably related to the originator of the Mercantile Marine Offices.