Seen from the banks of the River Tees near Castlegate are ships under construction at Craig Taylors shipyard, Thornaby. The shipyard was opened by Irving, Lane & Co. in 1836, taken over by Craig Taylors in 1884 and closed 1931. The land was then owned by Head Wrightson & Co. Several rowing boats, a barge, steamship and sailing ship can also be seen moored at the quayside c1904.
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
Re Craig Talor Shipyard I remember my dad taking me to see a ship being launched about 1930 we were on the quayside the ship was sliding down the slipway dragging chains behind it It went into the water and almost touched the Quay side not far from were we were Standing. I seem to remember my dad saying that was the last ship to be made and launched from Craig taylors yard. before closing down and beeing taken over by Head Rightsons . It was an amazing expereance for a lad of 10 years and one I will never forget
My great grand father was a rigger at Craig Taylors. his name was SAMUEL COWLING. His father in law was a worker there too (prev-a ships Master his name was CHARLES SEARLE. I believe they worked there after 1881 to the turn of the century Is there any way I can learn more about their working lives. sylvrushton@hotmail.co.uk