Joseph L. Thompson and Sons of Sunderland was established in 1846 by Robert Thompson. They became the largest and most famous of all the shipbuilding yards. In 1854 Thompson's son of the same name left the company to set up his own yard: Robert Thompson and Sons. The yard changed its name to Joseph L. Thompson in February 1871. n In 1954 the yard became a subsidiary of Sunderland Shipbuilding, Dry Dock and Engineering Co. This was made up of the Thompson, Laing and Crown yards and the repairer T. W. Gree nwell and Co. In 1961 the company changed its name to Doxford and Sunderland Shipbuilding and Engineering Co.
J. L. Thompson's yard was finally closed in 1979, although the fitting out quay was used by Doxford's and Laing's. The last ever launch took place at the North Sands yard on 24th May 1979.
Source: https://www.wrecksite.eu
