Thompson Graving Dock is best known as the dry dock where RMS Titanic was fitted out before departing on her maiden voyage in April 1912. Also referred to as Thompson Dry Dock or simply Thompson Dock, it was built to support the construction of the new generation of large ocean liners emerging in the early 20th century. Work began in October 1903 beside Alexandra Dock, based on designs produced by the Belfast Harbour Commission and carried out by contractors Walter Scott & Middleton. Although originally scheduled for completion in just over three years, ground subsidence and other delays extended construction to eight years. Costing £350,000, the dock officially opened on April 1, 1911, and remains one of Belfast’s most significant engineering landmarks.
Thompson Graving Dock
