Thomas Grendon and Company explained

Thomas Grendon and Company was an engineering company established in 1835 based in Grendons Foundry and Engineering Works, South Quay, Drogheda, Ireland.[1]

Employing up to over 600 people, it was first forced to close in the late 1880s with contents sold in an auction in October 1890.[1] [2]

Products

It produced a variety of products - from small to large. This included the manufacture of locomotives and bridges, as well as some shipbuilding. In the 1860s, the foundry produced the diving bell used in the extension of Dublin Port, which is now on display on Sir John Rogerson's Quay.[1] [2] [3]

Bridges

The firm was a noted bridge builder, and its works included the 1869 lattice iron Obelisk Bridge over the River Boyne[4] and Dominic's Bridge in Drogheda in 1863.[1]

Locomotives

Between 1845 and 1885 the company produced about 50 locomotives, mostly for the Irish Broadguage system but also at least one for Brazil.[1] [2] [5]

Reopening

The foundry was re-established in 1914 as the Drogheda Ironworks and had employment for up to 70 people until closure in 1970.[1]

Notes and References

  1. News: Letting off steam on the South Quay. 18 June 2004. 30 October 2017. Drogheda Independent.
  2. News: Grendons Foundry on South Quay. 10 December 2008. 30 October 2017. Drogheda Independent.
  3. Web site: The Dublin Port Diving Bell. National Maritime Museum of Ireland. 30 October 2017. Lowth. Cormac F..
  4. Web site: Obelisk Bridge, County Louth. Buildings of Ireland. 30 October 2017.
  5. Web site: Grendons of Drogheda. Heritage Boat Association (Ireland). 30 October 2017.