The first recorded shipyard was that of Thomas Menvill in 1346. We know this thanks to the historical document Vide Exemplum anno, 19. Ed. Three Regis 1346, which states that Menvill "occupied a certain place called Hendon for the building of ships, for which he paid to the bishop an annual rent of 2s", as per the translation in Smith & Holden's History of Shipbuilding on the Wear.

We do not know exactly where the boat building yard was. The entire landscape has changed since the mid 19th century when the docks were constructed. It's reasonable to expect the site to be closer to town, so I have approximated a location for the sake of this entry which I feel its addition is imperative.

As Smith & Holden continue to discuss, Menvill was one of the more influential figures in the area holding significant land in the area in the years following. The Battle of Neville's Cross took place in the same year and the Second War of Scottish Independence & Hundred Years War throughout the decade, so it could be reasonable to assume Menvill was commissioned to build ships for Edward III. At first I did presume fishing vessels, but his noted prosperity in the years following indicates something bigger.