London geography in 1887 Tilbury Docks area to Gravesend

[luckygirl57]

Map specialists? I need some help understanding a couple lines in a letter from 1887.

" He did not send or come to me, which would only have been a few yards out of his way, as I am told he is living at Grays near to Tilbury Docks. That is a short distance from Gravesend"

Today these 2 places are across the Thames river from each other! That's not really a few yards. Was there a bridge? Why would he consider that distance a few yards?
Thank you

[ShaunJ]

Perhaps he would have passed close by on his way home via the Gravesend/Tilbury ferry ?

[luckygirl57]

thanks, that is about the only explanation. He was a dock labourer. Maybe worked on the south side of the river, and took the ferry back and forth to work.

[Nic.]

The ferry still runs between Tilbury and Gravesend. 

There are still working docks in Tilbury but in Grays there were working Wharfs. 

I would imagine there were multiple small boats crossing the cross the river.

My grandparents were both born in Tilbury so Im familiar with this are.


Nic