It was situated in the northern dock system in Bootle.

[1] The dock was named after Thomas Dyson Hornby, chairman of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board between 1876 and 1889,[3] and was used by the timber trade during its early years.

[4] The lighthouse was demolished in 1928, being replaced by one built north of Gladstone Dock.

[1] The dock was still receiving significant traffic by 1992, mainly in the form of general cargo and containers, with new quayside sheds being built.

[1] Apart from an access channel along the river wall, the dock has been filled in to provide additional space for the coal terminal at Gladstone Dock.