The importation of daily requirements for the city's inhabitants ensured that the harbour was a centre of considerable activity. The market slip was the docking area in front of Market Square and it was used by the small coastal vessels which provided most of the basic food and fuel supplies. Dozens of wood and coal boats, like the one pictured here, worked continuously to service the city's needs. At low tide, vessels in the slip were left high and dry, thereby affording thrifty masters with the opportunity of unloading in the centre of the slip in order to avoid wharfage charges levied by the owners of the surrounding, privately-held docks.
