Low Southwick was home to an array of shipyards in the early to mid 19th century. One such was James Carr, who was located on the southernmost head of Low Southwick just east of where the Queen Alexandra Bridge is now situated. This is verified by a tithe apportionment of 1839, where James Carr and Thomas Dixon are leasing shipbuilding yards from John Stafford Esq. on this site.

Our first insight into the site is this same plan. A heap is shown which may be a remnant of the limekiln or quarry working next door, alongside a single building in the centre of the enclosure. There is nothing else apparent despite Carr building here for some 6 years prior so it's likely they were simply built on the quay, perhaps on berths. Housing also popped up next door on land owned by Elizabeth Ogle, which may have accomodated some of Carr's workers.

Less than a dozen vessels were built here. From 1833, 8 ships destined to move general cargo and coal were produced until 1836. One of their ships, a brig named "Vigilant", was ironically wrecked on a voyage from the Tyne to Swinemunde in Poland with a cargo of coal. It ran ashore at Anholt, Germany to prevent sinking.

James Carr ended up bankrupt in 1840. He was still listed as leasing the yard in 1839, perhaps awaiting contracts, however there was a great slump in shipbuilding at this time. The slump arguably led to the bankruptcy of Carr, when a timber merchant held security on Carr's ships and yard. Around 40 builders failed at this time as well as many commercial premises who were all part of the general supply chain.

The site was used as a shipbuilding yard for at least two decades thereafter, and this entry will be updated in due course if the builders are identified. There was around 8 yards along the New Road in the 1850s, though by the 1890s the site of Carr's Shipyard was absorbed by George Clark for his engine works.

Nowdays, pretty much the exact boundary of the site is extant as part of an industrial yard. There is no trace of Carr's yard except, perhaps, the quay wall.