C18 Quay Wall

A programme of planned improvements to Sunderland harbour began after the River Wear Commissioners were formed and in 1718 asked James Fawcett to survey the harbour. The first construction project was a pier on the south bank of the river. It has been suggested (by Skempton) that the amount spent by the commissioners during 1719-1720 indicates the construction of a substantial quay wall running about 250 feet south-west to the Custom's House.