| Description | The Berwick-upon-Tweed Harbour Commissioners were established by Act of Parliament in 1808. They were appointed to encourage the development of the harbour, overseeing major improvements to the pier, quay and docks and still manage the harbour today. Berwick Harbour and the revenue derived from Harbour Dues was managed by the Corporation before this Act was passed. The collection of Harbour Dues passed to the Commisssioners from 1808. The Corporation purchased the Manor of Tweedmouth and Spittal in September 1657 and, through their right to wharfage there, was able to inhibit development of the south bank of the Tweed to protect their interests. However, the unsuitability of Berwick Harbour for larger vessels in the nineteenth century forced them to reconsider and permit the Harbour Commissioners to develop Tweedmouth. |