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We can still see the former Marriages Flour Mill, which used to run two coasters from their mill. During the war, a German plane famously crashed through the roof.
The site now occupied by the current port was once a major seaplane port and development
centre. The world famous Schneider Trophy-
Crossing the Orwell to Shotley we see the lock gates to the Marina there and the training mast of the former HMS Ganges, the shore naval training. The original HMS Ganges was a training ship moored in the Haven until the facility was moved ashore. Many thousands of young men trained at the centre and many lost their lives in service.
Crossing the River Stour, brings us to Harwich International Port, formerly Parkeston Quay, where the Brightlingsea worked during the war as a launch to the many warships anchored in the river during the war.
Parkeston Quay was built in 1850 to develop the packet boat business to the Continent, stealing the success of the Ipswich service and cocking a snoop at difficult Harwich councillors. The effect is still felt with virtually none of the 1.3 million passengers per year visiting the Town.
Before returning to Ha’penny Pier, we pass Trinity Pier. Today the pier is used by Trinity House, who maintains buoyage and navigational safety around the British Coast. You will have noticed several lightships around the harbour, which are just one tool used by Trinity House to assist Navigation.
Before Trinity House took over the pier, it formed part of the train ferry infrastructure. Trains were uncoupled and rolled onto tracks laid on deck before steaming off to the Continent.
The Brightlingsea returns to the pontoon just as the current ferry service leaves for Felixstowe. When the Brightlingsea stopped running the ferry service, a couple of attempts were made to run smaller craft. The current ferry is a landing craft, capable of driving onto the shingle beach at Felixstowe.
