This river scene seems to represent the cement works established by James Parker in 1796 on the river side at Northfleet. There is a distant tower, which may be the misplaced 'Tilbury tower' a tall Elizabethan fortification, and drainage mills revealing the passage of the river shifting left past Swanscombe Marshes.
John Berney Crome painted a view in this vicinity entitled 'Scene on the Thames - East Tilbury in the distance', which was exhibited in Norwich in 1830. The style of this picture suggests it was painted about the same time. It is rather more dramatic and colourful than earlier works, with storm clouds to emphasise the distant mills and marshes. This picture will feature in a forthcoming book on the Norwich School by Dr. Peter Kennedy Scott.