There was a short lived shipbuilding venture at South Biddick operated by Thomas Lanchester from around 1838 until 1841. Very little is known about this yard and the exact location is difficult to pinpoint, so has taken some guesswork. My best hunch is next to the Ford from South Biddick to Fatfield, which featured a series of buildings some 6 years after closure on the tithe plan. They could be remnants of the modest yard Lanchester operated. The land was owned by the Earl of Durham, so Lanchester was certainly provided a lease of a small plot either here or directly north.

At least 3 vessels were produced here, all rigged timber ships which went on to be used for general cargo on the east coast.

Thomas Lanchester, listed as a shipbuilder in the notices, was made bankrupt in January 1841. There was a significant slump in shipbuilding exactly at this time, and I imagine Lanchester didn't have the resources or rigour like the larger Sunderland yards to withstand the pressure. Even they were suffering against other competitors on the Tyne and the Clyde.

Today the area is entirely green, with the exception of the highway which certainly runs over the site.