Ralph Walker

Ralph Walker (1749 – 19 February 1824) was a Scottish civil engineer, particularly associated with harbour engineering works in London.

Early life

Walker was born in Tullibody, Clackmannanshire, the second son of farmer James Walker and Helen May. He went to the parish school in Dollar and later was sent by his elder brother James to an academy where he learned marine navigation. as part of the Docks scheme. During this period, he worked with his nephew James Walker who stayed with him in Blackwall, London in the summer of 1880 and, after impressing with his abilities during discussions of the project, was articled to his uncle. In October 1802, however, Ralph Walker had a professional disagreement with Jessop and resigned his post on the West India Docks. He remained on good terms with Jessop, working on a scheme to remove the Blackwall Rock obstruction off Blackwall Point in the River Thames. Walker also designed a water supply scheme for Portsmouth, and was consulted on designs for Dover harbour, and on the Thames and Medway Canal scheme.

On Walker's death on 19 February 1824 (he died at his home in East India Dock Road, Poplar following a fall down some steps), James became engineer to the Commercial Dock Company and also succeeded him as engineer to the East India Dock Company.