From the mid 1800s to mid 1900s clay was transported from the Purbecks on flat bottomed barges to Poole Quay.

Barges could be pulled in convoys of four, a bulky cargo negotiating the small channels of the Harbour.
Upon arrival at Poole Quay the clay would be loaded onto ships using wheelbarrows, ramps, baskets, and lots of hard work.

The Dorset clay was sent to the potteries of Staffordshire, London and Europe.