J. P. Rennoldson and Sons

Ship Builders of South Shields

c.1800 Mr. George Rennoldson, a millwright in South Shields, founded works in Wapping-street, South Shields, later known under the title of J. P. Rennoldson and Sons, Limited

By 1826 George Rennoldson had started a small engineering works in Wapping Street.

By 1837 the firm was building locomotive engines but marine engines were coming to the fore and soon became the main product of the firm.

1850 The founder died; his son James Purdy Rennoldson, conducted the business as J. P. Rennoldson.

By 1857 had expanded into shipbuilding and repairing with some of the early vessels being constructed in North Shields.

1863 A yard in South Shields was acquired. This yard was part of the former Wallis Yard at the Lawe but a "Patent slipway" was added to it. The yard was initially being used to construct and repair wooden vessels

By 1874 said to be building iron-hulled vessels. However it is likely that such vessels were sub-contracted to J. T. Eltringham, with Rennoldson providing the engines.

c.1875 Charles Rennoldson became a partner in J. P. Rennoldson and Sons where he remained for 38 years during which he designed high-class tugs, salvage steamers, yachts and coasters.

Ald. J. M. Rennoldson, brother of Charles, was also a partner.

1878 After the death of J. P. Rennoldson, the business was carried on by two of his sons, Joseph Middleton and Charles, under the title of Messrs J. P. Rennoldson and Sons.

1890 The yard was reconstructed to meet the demands of composite construction (i.e. iron frames and wooden decks, side strakes) and full iron construction methods. By this stage the firm was specialising in the construction of screw and paddle tugs.

1896 the land vacated by John Readhead provide yet another major extension.

1898 the engine works in Pilot Street, also vacated by John Readhead, were added to the company.

1899 A number of screw tugs were built for Australia.

The first fifteen years of the 20th Century were perhaps the "Golden Age" of the firm, producing many famous vessels for use throughout the world.

1907 Hercules, a screw tug was built for the Suez Canal Company

1913 Charles Rennoldson left the partnership to start his own yard, Charles Rennoldson and Co nearer to the Groyne. J. M. Rennoldson kept the engineering works and the old shipyard. The old firm was then registered as a limited company.

1914 Directory: Listed as Ship Builders of the Slipway, Shadwell Street, South Shields

1915 George V, a screw tug, was built for service on the Tyne along with a number of other vessels, notably Protector a pilot-cutter.

1916 J. M. Rennoldson died by which time the four building berths at the yard had a maximum output of 6,000 tons gross, while vessels of up to 230 feet long could be constructed. The yard also possessed a patent slipway, which was 240 feet long. The well-equipped marine engineering department had a maximum annual output of 6,000 IHP. Charles Ross, his son-in-law, managed the shipyard and the Engineering Works.

1929 The yard failed financially owing to a severe recession in both sides of the business.

See Also

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Sources of Information

• British Shipbuilding Yards. 3 vols by Norman L. Middlemiss
• Kelly's Directory of Durham, 1914 p771
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