History of Shipbuilder: Charles Rennoldson & Co, South Shields
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Charles Rennoldson and his brother Joseph Middleton Rennoldson were sons of James Purdy Rennoldson and also partners in the JP Rennoldson & Sons buisiness of engineers, shipbuilders and shiprepairers. The partnership was dissolved on the 21st June 1913 with Joseph continuing with the family firm. Charles however took over the neighbouring yard, previously occupied by Readhead, Softley & Co, which was next door and nearer to the Groyne. This site was an historic one, it covered part of the old Wallis yard which from about 1720 was the first wooden shipbuilders in South Shields. It became TD Marshall's yard in about 1830 where he built some of the earliest iron vessels on the Tyne. From 1865 to 1872 the site was occupied by the Readhead & Softley firm and after their breakup, John Softley carried on there. It was with this latter firm that young Charles Rennoldson served his time before joing the family firm. Charles died in 1924 and when the executors of his estate offered the yard for sale as a going concern in April 1926 not one bid was received. The site was said to be 3.5 acres, with 4 berths and at an annual rent of £405. The yard seemed to be dormant in the late 1920's like many others and was put up for auction again in October 1930. This time it was purchased, but by dismantlers National Shipbuilders Security Ltd. The site today is part industrial premises and part housing development. |