For centuries the existence of Monkwearmouth had been dependent upon the harbour, though navigation was becoming progressively more difficult due to the channels becoming increasingly shallower.
The river Wear and its harbour was a very busy port.
River Wear Commissioners.
As a result, in 1669 Edward Andrew was empowered by King Charles II to clear up the waterfront and build piers and lighthouses. His achievements were neglible, thus a new Act was passed giving authorisation for the constitution of the River Wear Commissioners (RWC) to be elected by a committee of coalowners, landowners, merchants and shipowners. [Queen Elizabeth I's Commission of 1558 had described the harbour at Sunderland as a subsidiary of the port of the Tyne]. With jurisdiction from the harbour entrance to Biddick Ford, and sanctioned by King George IV, the RWC - all unpaid volunteers - commenced in 1717 and ran for over 250 years until succeeded by the Port of Sunderland Authority in 1973. Its fundamental remit had been to widen and deepen the harbour, enhance safe navigability, and govern the construction of quays and waterside structures. A survey in 1711 had shown that over 300 keels were operating on the river, so the RWC resolved to finance this essential harbour work with a duty on the export of cynders (coke) and coal.
The river Wear and its harbour was a very busy port.
River Wear Commissioners.
As a result, in 1669 Edward Andrew was empowered by King Charles II to clear up the waterfront and build piers and lighthouses. His achievements were neglible, thus a new Act was passed giving authorisation for the constitution of the River Wear Commissioners (RWC) to be elected by a committee of coalowners, landowners, merchants and shipowners. [Queen Elizabeth I's Commission of 1558 had described the harbour at Sunderland as a subsidiary of the port of the Tyne]. With jurisdiction from the harbour entrance to Biddick Ford, and sanctioned by King George IV, the RWC - all unpaid volunteers - commenced in 1717 and ran for over 250 years until succeeded by the Port of Sunderland Authority in 1973. Its fundamental remit had been to widen and deepen the harbour, enhance safe navigability, and govern the construction of quays and waterside structures. A survey in 1711 had shown that over 300 keels were operating on the river, so the RWC resolved to finance this essential harbour work with a duty on the export of cynders (coke) and coal.
