The Headlam shipyard was one of the most dominant on Tyneside in the mid to late 18th century, even while the industry moved eastwards. The family had enormous influence on Tyneside too even in the 20th century. Thomas Emmerson Headlam was the owner of this shipyard. His son was the Archdeacon of Richmond and his grandson was also Thomas Emerson Headlam, who was a renowned barrister and politician. He became the Liberal MP for Newcastle in 1847.

The largest vessel built on the Tyne so far, the "Russell", was constructed by Headlam's in 1750. It was still a relatively small and timber vessel, capable of carrying 30 keels of coal.

The exact site of the yard is not known, but was between what is now the Tyne Bridge and Saltmeadows. A Daniell painting of Newcastle and Gateshead at the turn of the 19th century depicts a shipyard on the South Shore, which may be Headlam's.