The pier, viewed here from the end of the east works, protects the harbour entrance and provides a distinctive viewpoint. The ‘Pepperpot’ lighthouse was a prominent feature, but was demolished in 1940 to prevent enemy ships from using it as a landmark.

Many other examples of this scene can be found, often with the paddle tug Jumna towing one or more sailing vessels out of the river. Leaving under sail was rarely possible unless the wind was particularly favourable, and most early craft would not have had auxiliary engines.   

These two cards by publisher William Wareham show how an original view was sometimes modified, perhaps to refresh it or appeal to a different market. In this case colour has been added, together with a frame and an elaborate title, to make it resemble a painting. What’s more, two new characters have been drawn in to fill the vacant central space.

The back of the original card (postmarked 1908) has a very typical holiday message, although one member of the party has had his hair “scorched off his head”.

The back of the coloured-in card (1907) has text reminding us that this was the age of the horse, the writer mentioning that they "met me at the station with the trap".