received rates for wharfage, anchorage, moorage, &c. but as these have been but indifferently defined, several acts of parliament have been obtained for the determining the same, and for other purposes set forth in the respective titles, which will be briefly noticed in their place. The course of that part of the Avon under the jurisdiction of the corporation of Bristol, commencing at Hanham Mills, is in a westerly direction by Crew's Hole, thence skirting the south side of the city of Bristol, through the parish of Bedminster to Redcliffe; thence by Roundham Lodge and Abbots Leigh Park, to the River Severn at King Road. From Hanham Mills to King Road, is in length fifteen miles and a half. Its course formerly lay through the heart of the city, but a new channel for the river has been cut on the south side of Bristol, two miles in length, while the ancient course has been converted into an excellent floating-dock and harbour, which is productive of immense advantages to the commercial population of this enterprizing city.
The River Frome is but a small stream, which rising near the town of Wickwar, in Gloucestershire, passes Iron Acton, and, in its course by Stoke Gifford House, supplies a number of mills and manufactories. It enters on the north side of Bristol, and passing through the centre of the city, falls into the floating-dock, or ancient course of the Avon. The last half mile of its course is used as a dock and harbour, (no other portion being navigable,) and as it is in the very heart of the city, its value may be easily appreciated.
In the year 1749, the corporation obtained an act, entitled, 'An Act for making more effectual an Act passed in the Eleventh and Twelfth Years of the Reign of his late Majesty King William the Third, for the better preserving the Navigation of the Rivers Avon and Frome, &c.;' but we forbear to enlarge upon the provisions of this act, as the rates of wharfage, anchorage, &c. were not finally ascertained and settled until 1807, when parliamentary sanction was given to an act, entitled, 'An Act for ascertaining and establishing the Rates of Wharfage, Cannage, Plankage, Anchorage and Moorage, to be received at the lawful Quays in the Port of Bristol; for the regulation of the Cranekeepers in the said Port; and for the better regulation of Pilots and Pilotage of Vessels navigating the Bristol Channel.'
