W J Yarwood and Sons - Shipbuilders
Through its salt trade and the River Weaver Navigation’s connection to Liverpool – Northwich, in Mid Cheshire, has long been associated with shipbuilding.
But it was W J Yarwood and Sons Shipbuilders in Navigation Road, Northwich that brought it to the forefront.
The company founder, William James Yarwood, was born in 1851 and after serving an apprenticeship at a Northwich ironfounders, he became a blacksmith with the River Weaver Navigation.
In 1896 he purchased the former John Thompson shipbuilding business – the forerunner of W J Yarwoods and Sons.
Customers included the Manchester Ship Canal Company and the Brunner Mond – which became a part of Imperial Chemical Industries.
When the yard closed in 1947 Yarwood’s had built over 1,000 vessels.
Courtesy of the Rick Ferris/Keith Collection our images show some of the vessels built by Yarwoods.
Note our last image shows Mr William James Yarwood himself.
Hover the images to stop and view.