Volume Nine - Pre-Victorian to the present day - even more aspects - Mr. B's 1836 Ely Docks . . .

By November 1836 the TVR Board had placed Notice of the TVR Bill which included the deviation of the Ely Branch line, an extension branch to Penarth Head and the construction of the dock as designed by Mr. B.

Early the following year, 1837, the TVR Board resolved to bring their before Parliament but, (probably due to the adverse reaction of Bute) also resolved to enter into negotiations with Bute; arrangements which would render the Ely dock project unnecessary!

In October 1837 the TVR Board resolved to prepare property plans for the proposed Ely Branch. The TVR Act of 1840 included the power to charge 6 pence (6d) per ton on goods shipped at Ely.

However, at the Half Yearly Meeting of the TVR Shareholders, held during August 1841, the Chairman, Mr. W. Coffin stated that 'under the present aspect of (financial) affairs it was impossible to think of the Ely Branch.'

The TVR Board by June 1842 reviewed a report on the subject of the Ely Branch prepared by the TVR Secretary, Mr. Burgess. He concluded that the line should not be proceeded with since the cost of continuing relative to the likely revenue generated were in doubt. At this time, however, the route of the branch had been fenced off and presumably appropriate land purchased.

Once again, the TVR Directors resolved to make an application to Bute to secure suitable accommodation at Bute Dock, Cardiff, and to establish the terms and conditions which would apply to such an agreement.

Further delay ensued when during June 1843 a Special Committee of Shareholders was proposed and formed to investigate the management and affairs of the TVR Company. This Committee's Report recommended, only two months later, that it was imperative to proceed with the Ely scheme but if this was not possible, to seek agreement with Bute on the use of Cardiff. In August 1843 the TVR Directors agreed with the Committee's Report and that if funds could secured it would be the best solution to proceed with the Ely scheme.