A 'footprint in history'

摘要

Another significant link with Titanic is the 850ft long Thompson Dry Dock, the largest in the world when opened by Belfast Harbour Commissioners in 1911 after five years of work involving 500 men. It was used to check and paint the hull of the newly-launched Titanic, fit the propellers, install the boilers and apply some final internal fixtures and fittings. The dock, described as 'Titanic's physical footprint in history,' and now part of a seven-acre scheduled monument site, took its name from the commission's chairman, Robert Thompson. The dock could be drained of 24 million imperial gallons of water in 100 minutes using huge pumps in the adjacent pump house which can still be seen. There is a visitor centre and cafe with daily guided tours. For more information see www.titanicsdock.com.