The dock was designed by
Anthony George Lyster. Construction began in 1905, from the land reclaimed during the construction of the
Great Float. During its construction on 6 March 1909, a temporary
dam collapsed, killing 14
navvies. This incident is now referred to as the
Birkenhead Dock Disaster. The dock was opened in 1909, having warehouses on either side.
The name Vittoria The dock is named after the
Battle of Vittoria, fought on 21 June 1813. An alternative view is that Vittoria Dock has derived its name as a tribute to the first ship to
circumnavigate the globe,
Magellan's Vittoria. However, Magellan's ship was named after the church of
Santa María de la Victoria de Triana, therefore, this Vittoria naming may be questioned. Vittoria Dock is sometimes incorrectly quoted as 'Victoria Dock', thought in reference to
Queen Victoria. However, the wharf was originally known as Victoria, and the plans of 1843 include a Victoria Dock on the site. which loaded two or three ships each week, destined for the
Far East. The
Brocklebank Line,
Houston Line and the
Scottish Shire Line also used the dock. The dock was extended west in 1960, ==Future==