WAL001
Tyne
Wallsend
Swan Hunter (Tyne Pontoons & Dry Dock Co)
Wallsend
54.983075, -1.532950
Useful Links:
Opened:
1880
Closed:
Owners:
Wigham, Richardson and Co. Ltd., Tyne Pontoons and Dry Docks Co. Ltd., Swan Hunter
Types built here:
Customers (Not Exhaustive):
Estimated Output:
1
Construction Materials:
Status:
Redeveloped
Last Updated:
09/07/24
Description
The dry docks and Pontoon on the border between Wallsend and Walker was built in 1882 by Wigham, Richardson & Co. Ltd.
They established the Tyne Pontoons and Dry Docks Co. Ltd to construct floating pontoon docks. According to Tynebuiltships, the Army and Navy Institute approached the Tyne Improvement Commission to construct a quay, gridiron and dry dock here as there was no port which could accomodate the new larger ironclads for the navy. This yard was built on land previously used as staiths from the Burradon and Coxlodge collieries. The first floating dock was launched in 1885 and a second by Swan Hunter in 1891. Another dry dock was later added.
The company was later taken over by Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson and was amalgamated into the huge complex from Low Walker to Wallsend. The yard is still visible and in use in the late 2000s, though by 2012 the docks were filled in.
It is currently lying extant.
Ordnance Survey, 1916
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Historic Environment Records
Durham/Northumberland: Keys to the Past
Tyne and Wear: Sitelines
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