Northumberland Shipbuilding Company Explained

Northumberland Shipbuilding Company
Type:Public
Fate:Went in receivership
Foundation:1883
Defunct:1930
Location:Howdon, UK
Industry:Shipbuilding
Key People:Rowland Hodge

The Northumberland Shipbuilding Company was a shipbuilding business based at Howdon in Tyne and Wear.

History

The company was established by Harry S. Edwards in Howdon in 1883.[1] Following the death of the founder the business was bought by Rowland Hodge in 1898. At that time Furness Withy were both a major shareholder and a major customer.[1] In 1918 it became a public company and subsequently acquired controlling interests in William Doxford & Sons, Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, Workman, Clark and Company, Blythswood Shipbuilding Company, Monmouth Shipbuilding Company and the Lancashire Iron and Steel Company.[1] The combined business was the largest shipbuilding combine in the United Kingdom.[2] Following a collapse in demand and over-ordering of steel the business went into receivership in 1926. It briefly re-opened under new ownership in 1927 but closed again in 1930.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Northumberland Shipbuilding Company. Grace's Guide. 30 May 2015.
  2. Web site: Northumberland Shipbuilding Company. Tyne built ships. 30 May 2015.