Runcorn Docks, originally the Bridgewater Docks, is an inland port on the Manchester Ship Canal in the town of Runcorn, Cheshire, England. It is operated by Peel Ports and handles bulk and project cargo. History Early development It is possible that a small Roman port existed on the River Mersey at Runcorn. But the development of a port of any significance did not start until the Bridgewater Canal was extended to Runcorn in 1776. A line of ten locks was built from 1771-1773 to connect the Runcorn basin of the canal at 21.3m AOD with the River Mersey at 3.7m AOD. Close to this point, the Duke of Bridgewater built Bridgewater House from which to supervise the work. To the west of this area he built a dock ('Old Dock'), which opened in 1791. By 1825, a second flight of locks was constructed to deal with the volume of traffic. Together, this complex was known as the Bridgewater Docks. Two further docks were developed on neighbouring Runcorn waterways: Weston Point Docks on the Weston Canal in 1810, and Old Quay Docks on the Runcorn to Latchford Canal in 1826. Thus the port of Runcorn comprised three separate companies: the Bridgewater Trustees, the Mersey and Irwell Company, and the Weaver Trustees. In the early years of the 19th century, the amount of cargo passing through the docks steadily increased. From 1816 to 1834, the Bridgewater Dock increased its trade from 76,000 tons to 118,000 tons, and the Mersey and Irwell from 90,000 tons to 135,000 tons. To cope with this increased business, the Bridgewater Trustees built a new dock, Francis Dock, which opened in 1843. In 1844, the Mersey and Irwell Company was purchased by the Trustees of the Bridgewater Canal. Independent customs port Throughout this time, the port of Runcorn was part of the Port of Liverpool. The growing importance of Runcorn was recognised on 5 April 1847 when it was designated as an independent customs port. Its boundary extended on both sides of the Mersey, from Warrington Bridge in the east to a point on a line stretching from Eastham church in Cheshire to Chapel Farm House in Lancashire. It included the waters of the River Weaver up to Frodsham Bridge. On the north bank of the Mersey, it included Widnes Dock; the world's first purpose-built railway dock. A new customs house was built to mark the event. Runcorn's