History of the Palmer Yard at Willington Quay
Yards: |
A section from the Ordnance Survey map for 1897
The above photo shows the Willington Quay Yard when occupied by Eltringham Ltd. Photo is copyright of Tyne & Wear Museums
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The Shields Daily Gazette 28/06/1860 stated "About three months ago the enterprising firm of Messrs Palmer, Brothers & Co, to meet the increased demand made upon them for iron ships, purchased the building-yard formerly occupied by Messrs Coutts, Parkinson & Co at Howdon. In that short time the place has undergone a complete change in its machinery, buildings and general arrangement. The Company launched their first vessel from this yard - a handsome screw, built for the firm to carry ironstone from Port Mulgrave, which name she bears, to their blast-furnaces at Jarrow."
Howdon and Willington Quay are neighbouring districts and the line between them has changed over time. Sometimes the Palmer yard is described as being in Howdon and sometimes as in Willington Quay, whichever district is mentioned, the yard is in the same location and we have standardised on using Willington Quay. The yard was in operation between 1860 and 1866 during which time 55 ships were built. The yard then closed until 1881 after which a further 75 ships were built before closing for the final time in 1900. In 1912 the yard was sold to JT Eltringham & Co Ltd who moved their business from South Shields over the next two years. |
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