Francis James Trewent (1850-1914) of F. J. Trewent and Proctor
Naval Architect
1898 Instrumental in introducing rolled weldless steel chain cable using the process developed by Otto Klatte in Germany.[1].
1914 Obituary [2]
FRANCIS JAMES TREWENT, born at Pembroke Dock on the 21st June, 1850, died at Hampstead on the 17th May, 1914.
In 1866 he entered the Royal School of Naval Architecture, South Kensington, among his fellow-pupils being Sir Wm. H. White, Sir Philip Watts, Dr. Elgar, and other well-known naval architects.
After gaining practical experience in Pembroke Dockyard, he received, on the recommendation of the late Sir Edward Reed, then Chief Constructor, a post with Messrs. R. Napier and Sons, Glasgow.
From their service he passed, in 1871, to that of Messrs. Wigham Richardson and Company, Newcastle, and thence to Earle’s Shipbuilding Company, Hull, becoming Assistant Yard Manager.
Subsequently he became Manager successively to Messrs. C. S. Swan and Hunter and Messrs. R. and W. Hawthorn Leslie and Company. During this period he was associated with a great variety of work and the introduction of many important developments in shipbuilding and marine engineering. Among the more notable vessels with which he was connected were the Channel steamer “Bessemer,” H.M. Cruiser “Bellona,” and the Russian Volunteer ship “Orel.”
In 1891 he started private practice in London, and was responsible for the design and construction of many vessels, British and foreign, besides acting as London agent for the Walker Shipyard of Messrs. Armstrong, Whitworth and Company, Limited.
Mr. Trewent was elected a Member of The Institution on the 1st March, 1904.
1914 Obituary.[3]