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

Julie Carder [124] used an illustration of ships entering and departing Penarth Dock passing the Custom House and Mercantile Marine Offices as the basis of this pen and wash drawing. It was from a book held within Penarth Library named 'The Development of Penarth Docks' by N. Noake compiled in 1956. I'd guess this scene dates to the early 1880's given the prevalence of sail over steam. [613]

• August 1869 - Smuggling at Penarth - 'On Saturday last, three Italian sailors, belonging to the Italian barque 'Atilio', were fined each in the sum of £1 - 11s. - 11d. for having three and a quarter gallons of brandy concealed in the forecastle of the ship behind some of the berths. The captain and mate refused to let the men go on shore when the spirits were discovered, so the Custom-house officers were obliged to take them by force.' - Cardiff Times [019] [361] 21st August 1869.