The cargo ship 'Eastern Glory' after launch
The cargo ship ‘Eastern Glory’ waiting to be towed to the fitting out quay after launch from the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons Ltd, 12 April 1949 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/660/4/1)...Tyne & Wear A... More
'Eastern Glory' on the River Wear
View of the cargo ship ‘Eastern Glory’ under tow on the River Wear after launch at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons Ltd, 12 April 1949 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/660/4/3)...Tyne & Wear Archives is... More
'North Sands' afloat after launch
Tug boats prepare to tow the tanker ‘North Sands’ to the fitting out quay after launch from the shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons Ltd, 3 May 1965 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/715/3/2)..Tyne & Wear Archives is proud ... More
Launch of the tanker 'North Sands'
The launch party look on as drag chains slow down the tanker ‘North Sands’ after her launch from the shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons Ltd, 3 May 1965 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/715/2/3)..Tyne & Wear Archives is p... More
'Borgsten' is launched into the River Wear
Launch of the tanker ‘Borgsten’, built by J.L. Thompson & Sons Ltd, North Sands, 1 November 1963 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/709/3/3)...Tyne & Wear Archives is proud to present a selection of images from its Sunde... More
'Borgsten' ready for launch during World War I
Launch of the tanker ‘Borgsten’, built by J.L. Thompson & Sons Ltd, North Sands, 1 November 1963 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/709/2/2)...Tyne & Wear Archives is proud to present a selection of images from its Sunde... More
'City of Manchester' on the River Wear
The cargo ship ‘City of Manchester’ being towed on the River Wear after launch by J.L. Thompson & Sons, North Sands, 9 August 1949 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/662/3/3)...Tyne & Wear Archives is proud to present a ... More
The Eastern Rover and the Eastern Ranger
This photograph shows a view of the cargo ship 'Eastern Rover' ready for launch, taken through the shell plates of her sister ship ‘Eastern Ranger’, built by J.L. Thompson & Sons Ltd, North Sands, Sunderland, 2... More
A master model maker at Joseph L Thompson & Sons Ltd
A master model maker at Joseph L Thompson & Sons Ltd, 1946 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/5/3/1)...This set celebrates the achievements of the famous Sunderland shipbuilding firm Joseph L. Thompson & Sons. The company’s ori... More
Launch of the cargo ship 'Troutpool'
View of the cargo ship ‘Troutpool’ afloat on the River Wear after launch at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland, 19 August 1955 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT4/PH/1/683/3/1)...This set celebrates th... More
'Chinese Prince' on the River Wear
View of the cargo ship 'Chinese Prince' under tow on the River Wear, built by J.L. Thompson & Sons, North Sands, October 1943 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/625/2)...This set celebrates the achievements of the famous... More
The pre-fabrication shed, North Sands shipyard
View inside the pre-fabrication shed at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland, February 1962 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/5/4/6)...This set celebrates the achievements of the famous Sunderland shipb... More
Aerial view of the North Sands shipyard
Aerial view of the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland, 26 May 1959 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/2/22169B). The image appears to show the shipyard's new pre-fabrication shed under construction. Work i... More
Launch party of the cargo ship 'Eastern Rover'
Launch party of the cargo ship ‘Eastern Rover’ at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland, 28 July 1961 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT4/PH/1/706/1/4). The image also shows the shell plates of her sister... More
Launch of the tanker 'Esso Caernarvon'
View of the tanker ‘Esso Caernarvon’ sliding down the ways at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland, 30 May 1962 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/710/3/2). The image also shows shipyard workers ... More
Construction of the bulk carrier 'Fernriver'
Lifting the forecastle unit of the bulk carrier ‘Fernriver’ into place at the North Sands shipyard, Sunderland, 9 September 1966 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/718/5)...This set celebrates the achievements of the fam... More
A River Wear scene, shipbuilding
The tanker ‘British Rose’ at the fitting out quay, while the tugboat Wexford passes by, 10 October 1946 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/5/3/8). 'British Rose' was launched at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons,... More
Painting the tanker 'Borgsten', shipbuilding
View of the tanker 'Borgsten' being painted shortly before her launch from the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, October 1963 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/2/32384A)...This set celebrates the achievements of th... More
Deck view on the 'Hoegh Ranger'
Deck view on the tanker 'Hoegh Ranger' fitting out at Manor Quay, October 1952 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT4/PH/1/673/5/1). She was launched at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland on 23 May 1952. ... More
The tanker 'Atheltemplar' on the River Wear
View of the tanker ‘Atheltemplar’ afloat after launch at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland, 19 June 1951 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT4/PH/1/670/4)...This set celebrates the achievements of the f... More
An engine room debate on 'Galeomma'
A debate in the engine room during speed trials of the tanker ‘Galeomma’, built by J.L. Thompson & Sons, North Sands, Sunderland, May 1946 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/643/1/6)...This set celebrates the achievement... More
Launch of the tanker 'Trident', shipbuilding
View of the tanker 'Trident' sliding down the slipway at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, 18 September 1967 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/721/2/1)...This set celebrates the achievements of the famou... More
Launch of 'G.M. Livanos' at the North Sands shipyard
Launch of the bulk carrier 'G.M. Livanos' at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, 26 April 1968 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/723/2/1)...This set celebrates the achievements of the famous Sunderland shi... More
Sea trials of the 'Empire Halley'
Sea trials of the cargo ship ‘Empire Halley’, built by J.L. Thompson & Sons, North Sands, Sunderland, c1941. This style of vessel developed by the shipyard was the forebear of the Liberty ships built by the Uni... More
The tanker 'Daphnella' under tow on the River Wear
View of the tanker ‘Daphnella’ under tow after launch at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland, 8 December 1965 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/716/2/3)...This set of images celebrates the 300th... More
Ships on the River Wear, Sunderland, England
View of 'Coogee' and ‘Ruysdael’ built by J.L. Thompson & Sons alongside each other at Manor Quay, Sunderland, c1888 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/224/2/2)...This set celebrates the achievements of the famous Sunderl... More
North Sands shipyard, Sunderland, 1950
Aerial view of the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland, May 1950 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/2/4760D)...This set celebrates the achievements of the famous Sunderland shipbuilding firm Joseph L. Thomp... More
The tanker 'Borgsten' on sea trials
Aerial view of the tanker ‘Borgsten’ on sea trials, January 1964 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/709/6) . She was built by J.L. Thompson & Sons Ltd, North Sands, Sunderland...This set celebrates the achievements of th... More
Sea trials of 'Naess Crusader', shipbuilding
Aerial view of the bulk carrier 'Naess Crusader' on sea trials, June 1973 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/2/61816D). She was launched from the North Sands shipyard, Sunderland on 21 December 1972...This set celebrates the ac... More
The tanker 'Gomphina' under tow on the River Wear
View of the tanker ‘Gomphina' being towed by the tugboat ‘President’ after launch from the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons Ltd, 14 October 1947 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/2/876B)...Tyne & Wear Archives is p... More
Launch of the tugboat 'Flying Witch'
View of ‘Flying Witch’ sliding down the ways, 9 June 1960. She was launched by J.L. Thompson & Sons Ltd at the former shipyard of John Crown & Sons, Sunderland (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/2/24495BB)...Tyne & Wear Archive... More
'Flying Witch' and 'Flying Wizard' on the stocks
View of the tugboats ‘Flying Wizard’ and ‘Flying Witch’ being prepared for launch by J.L. Thompson & Sons Ltd, Sunderland, 9 June 1960 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/2/24495L). The launch took place at the former shipyard o... More
Preparing for a launch during World War I
View of the tugboat ‘Flying Wizard’ being prepared for launch by the shipyard workers of J.L. Thompson & Sons Ltd at the former shipyard of John Crown & Sons, Sunderland, 9 June 1960 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/2/24495X... More
'Gomphina' and 'Hemsefjell' at Manor Quay, Sunderland
View of the tanker ‘Gomphina’ and the cargo ship ‘Hemsefjell’ at Manor Quay, March 1948 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/655/1/4). 'Gomphina' was launched by J.L. Thompson & Sons at North Sands on 14 October 1947...Th... More
'Orenda Bridge' on sea trials, shipbuilding
View of the bulk carrier 'Orenda Bridge' on sea trials, March 1972 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/6/59728A). She was launched at the North Sands shipyard, Sunderland on 3 November 1971...This set celebrates the achievements... More
Launch of the tanker 'Busiris', shipbuilding
The tanker ‘Busiris’ sliding down the ways at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland, 4 October 1960 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT4/PH/1/698/3/3)...This set celebrates the achievements of the famous S... More
Deck view on the tanker 'Aluco'
Deck view on the tanker ‘Aluco’, October 1959 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/695/10/2). She was launched at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland on 23 April 1959...This set celebrates the achi... More
Launch of the tanker 'British Venture'
Shipyard workers watch the tanker ‘British Venture’ entering the River Wear after launch by J.L. Thompson & Sons, 21 May 1948 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/656/3/4)...This set celebrates the achievements of the famo... More
Model maker at work at the North Sands shipyard
Model maker at work at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, February 1962 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/2/28432K)...This set celebrates the achievements of the famous Sunderland shipbuilding firm Joseph L. Tho... More
Galley on the tanker 'Aluco', shipbuilding
Galley on the tanker ‘Aluco’, October 1959 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/695/11/35). She was launched at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland on 23 April 1959...This set celebrates the achiev... More
Officers' smoking room on the tanker 'Aluco'
Officers' smoking room on the tanker ‘Aluco’, October 1959 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/695/11/19). She was launched at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland on 23 April 1959...This set celeb... More
'Silverbriar' at night. Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums
View of the cargo ship ‘Silverbriar’ at night, February 1948 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/2/1232W). She was launched at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland, 21 May 1947. ..This set celebrates the ... More
The bar on the cargo ship 'Silverbriar'
View of the bar on the cargo ship ‘Silverbriar’, February 1948 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/2/1). She was launched at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland, 21 May 1947...This set celebrates th... More
The tanker 'Nordic Heron' on sea trials
Aerial view of the tanker ‘Nordic Heron’ on sea trials, April 1959 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/692/5). She was launched at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland on 9 December 1958...This set... More
'British Cavalier' ready for launch
View of the tanker ‘British Cavalier’ ready for launch at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland, 19 June 1962 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT4/PH/1/700/2)...This set celebrates the achievements of the ... More
Launch party of the tanker 'British Cavalier'
Guests attending the launch of the tanker ‘British Cavalier’ at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland, 19 June 1962 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT4/PH/1/700/1/1)...This set celebrates the achievements... More
The cargo ship 'Silverlaurel' afloat after launch
View of the cargo ship ‘Silverlaurel’ under tow on the River Wear after launch at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, 30 June 1950 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT4/PH/1/668/4/3). She was renamed ‘Teucer’ prior... More
'Iron Endeavour' afloat after launch
The bulk carrier ‘Iron Endeavour’ afloat after launch at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, 24 October 1968 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/724/2)...This set celebrates the achievements of the famous Su... More
Launch of the tanker 'Spinanger'
View of the tanker ‘Spinanger’ entering the River Wear after launch from the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland, 22 October 1957 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/694/3/3). The launch of 'Spinanger... More
The tanker 'Spinanger' ready for launch
View of the tanker ‘Spinanger’ ready for launch at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland, 22 October 1957 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/694/2/2). The launch of 'Spinanger' was unusual in that ... More
North Sands Shipyard and Corporation Quay, Sunderland
Aerial view of the River Wear showing North Sands shipyard at the bottom of the picture, with the ore carrier 'Lindisfarne' at the Quay. Corporation Quay is at the top of the picture. The image dates from Marc... More
The North Sands Shipyard, Sunderland
Aerial view of the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons Ltd, Sunderland, May 1959 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/2/22169C)...This set of aerial images is intended as a short historical tour of the River Wear from th... More
Looking down the River Wear - A black and white photo of a river and a...
Aerial view looking down the River Wear, May 1959 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/2/22167G). This image gives a good view along the High Street and over the Wear Dockyard of Austin & Pickersgill Ltd, where the cargo ship 'Ma... More
Fish Quay, Strand Quay and Manor Quay
Aerial view of River Wear, with the Fish Quay in the foreground, Strand Quay on the opposite side, May 1959 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/2/22167C). The Shell tanker 'Aluco' is being fitted out by J.L. Thompson & Sons at M... More
Looking up the River Wear
Aerial view looking up the River Wear, with the North Dock in the foreground and the North Sands shipyard in the background, May 1959 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/2/22167A)...This set of aerial images is intended as a sho... More
‘Eastern Ranger’ after launch on the River Wear
View of the cargo ship ‘Eastern Ranger’ afloat after launch at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland, 20 November 1961 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/707/3/2)...This set celebrates the achievem... More
Aerial view of the bulk carrier 'Sunheim'
Aerial view of the bulk carrier ‘Sunheim’ on sea trials, October 1958 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/687/4/4). She was launched at the North Sands shipyard on 3 June 1958...This set celebrates the achievements of the... More
Launch of the bulk carrier 'Silksworth'
View of the bulk carrier ‘Silksworth’ sliding down the ways at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland, 28 February 1964 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/713/2)...This set celebrates the achievemen... More
'Sheaf Mount' under tow on the River Wear
View of the bulk carrier ‘Sheaf Mount’ under tow after launch from the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland, 3 November 1964 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/714/3)..This set celebrates the achievem... More
The tanker 'Haukefjell' on sea trials
Aerial view of the tanker ‘Haukefjell’ on sea trials, November 1955 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/684/4/1). She was launched by J.L. Thompson & Sons on 20 June 1955...This set celebrates the achievements of the famo... More
'Fernriver' ready for launch, shipbuilding
View of the bulk carrier 'Fernriver' ready for launch from the North Sands shipyard, 16 September 1966 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/2/39164EE)...This set celebrates the achievements of the famous Sunderland shipbuilding f... More
'G.M. Livanos' afloat after launch
View of the bulk carrier 'G.M. Livanos' afloat after launch at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, 26 April 1968 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/723/2/3)...This set celebrates the achievements of the fam... More
The bulk carrier 'Silksworth' at sea
Aerial view of the bulk carrier 'Silksworth' on sea trials, May 1964 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/713/4). She was launched at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons Ltd on 28 February 1964...This set cele... More
Aerial view of the North Sands shipyard, 1964
Aerial view of the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons Ltd, Sunderland, July 1964 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/2/34170). The image also gives a great view of the surrounding area, including the football stadium, ... More
'Amber Pacific' ready for launch
View of the bulk carrier 'Amber Pacific' ready for launch at the North Sands shipyard, Sunderland, 16 July 1969 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/6/55325B)...This set celebrates the achievements of the famous Sunderland shipbu... More
Sea trials of the tanker 'Thorshavn'
Aerial view of the tanker ‘Thorshavn’ on sea trials, April 1950 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/661/5). She was launched at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons on 21 November 1949...This set celebrates th... More
'Thorshavn' afloat after launch
View of the tanker ‘Thorshavn’ afloat on the River Wear after launch by J.L. Thompson & Sons, 21 November 1949 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/661/3/3)...This set celebrates the achievements of the famous Sunderland s... More
Engine room of 'St Essylt', shipbuilding
Engine room on board the cargo ship ‘St. Essylt', 1948 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/653/9/1). She was launched at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, 15 September 1947. For a view of the launch see tw... More
Launch of the cargo ship 'St Essylt'
Launch of 'St Essylt' at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, 15 September 1947 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/2/797G)...This set celebrates the achievements of the famous Sunderland shipbuilding firm Joseph L.... More
Shipyard workers at a cold frame bending machine
Cold frame bending machine in operation at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland, February 1962 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/5/4/4/2)...This set celebrates the achievements of the famous Sunderland ... More
The bulk carrier 'Nego Anne' from the air
Aerial view of the bulk carrier 'Nego Anne' on sea trials, September 1961 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/704/5). She was launched on 31 May 1961 at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons Ltd, Sunderland...T... More
The North Sands shipyard, 1960, shipbuilding
Aerial view of the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland, 30 March 1960 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/2/23956A). Includes a view of the tanker ‘Luxor’ at the fitting out quay in the foreground. She was l... More
Wheelhouse of the tanker 'Torvanger'
View inside the wheelhouse of the tanker 'Torvanger', March 1955 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT4/PH/1/681/8/1). She was launched at the North Sands shipyard of J.L. Thompson & Sons, Sunderland on 26 November 1954...This set... More
Aerial view along the River Wear, 1965
Aerial view along the River Wear, showing the North Sands shipyard in the foreground, June 1965 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/2/36311A)...This set of images celebrates the 300th Anniversary of the establishment of the Port... More