| Administrative History | In about 1840 the General Department of the Board of Trade was created and its responsibilities included coast protection works. In 1842 the Harbour Department of the Admiralty was created and its responsibilities included the regulation of foreshore development; subsequent legislation gave the Admiralty powers to approve railway construction and other works affecting tidal waters or the navigable rivers. In 1861, the General Pier and Harbour Act required that all proposed bills relating to such works were to be deposited with the Board of Trade. These powers subsequently passed to various departments and ministries (see PRO catalogue for class BT 356 and CRO acc file). |