Thomas Richardson

Thomas Richardson (1795-1850), owner of a Hartlepool shipbuilding firm

The Richardson family owned an iron foundry at the village of Castle Eden, near Hartlepool. They made items which were used in shipbuilding, such as bolts, hinges and anchors.

1823 When George Stephenson decided to establish his own manufacturing establishment for making steam locomotives and other steam engines, he saw it essential to assemble a staff of trained workers and improved techniques of construction. The company that was established, Robert Stephenson and Co, received substantial financial contributions from Edward Pease and his cousin, Thomas Richardson. The partners were Michael Longridge of Bedlington, Robert Stephenson and George Stephenson of Killingworth, and Edward Pease of Darlington. The Stephensons and Longridge held two shares each, Pease held four . Another source says Edward Pease also held the shares of Thomas Richardson.

1836 Thomas Richardson had formed a partnership with Joseph Parkin as Parkin and Richardson to build wooden sailing ships.

When this broke up in 1839, Richardson went back to the family foundry.

1844 Richardson returned to shipbuilding; he built two vessels in Hartlepool over the next two years. His main interest from now on, however, was in building engines. It was this side of the business, T. Richardson and Sons, which was developing when his sons took over the firm upon Thomas senior's death in 1850.

1850 On the death of Thomas, his sons inherited the shipbuilding and engine businesses

1855 the name of the firm was changed to Richardson Brothers.

1858 Thomas Richardson of Hartlepool Iron Works, Hartlepool.

See Also

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Sources of Information

• [2] Hartlepool Council Web Site
• The Steam Engine in Industry by George Watkins in two volumes. Moorland Publishing. 1978/9. ISBN 0-903485-65-6