Business History Explorer Supported by the Business Archives Council

Watkins, William, Ltd

Other Business Names:

  • Watkins, John Rogers
  • Watkins Petrie & Co
  • Watkins, John S
  • Elliott Steam Tug Co
  • Gamecock Tugs Ltd
  • Ship Towage (London) Ltd
  • London Tugs Ltd

Locations city-town / local authority / county1974 / region-state / country:

  • Gravesend, Kent, Kent, South East, England
  • Middlesbrough, Middlesbrough, Cleveland, North East, England

Sectors:

  • Recycling & waste management Salvaging of ships, cargoes, etc
  • Transport services Ship towage, lighterage, stevedoring, etc, services
  • Transport services Shipping services - long distance, inc ship ownership & management

Notes:

Established 1833 by John Rogers Watkins, 1790-1871, as one of the first towing businesses on the Thames. Initially based at Shadwell, London. Developed in particular by William Watkins, son of John. Mid 1840s also developed shipowning interests. From 1850s undertaking long distance towing and by 1880s doing salvage work. c1911 established Watkins Petrie & Co at Middlesbrough. 1917 incorporated as William Watkins Ltd when owned by John S Watkins. 1950 merged with Elliott Steam Tug Co and Gamecock Tugs Ltd to form Ship Towage (London) Ltd, later London Tugs Ltd

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