Sunderland shipyards on film: An Echo look at Thompsons

The might of the Sunderland shipyards; An Echo film tribute to Thompsons
By Chris Cordner
Published 27th Jun 2023, 12:28 BST
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Its 35 years this year since the last ship rolled out of a shipyard in Sunderland.

The town which once had 400 registered yards saw an end to shipbuilding in 1988.

We built a third of all UK ships

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It was an industry which employed thousands of locals. Wearside once built a third of all ships in the UK.

Today, we are focusing on one of the yards - Thompsons.

The launch of the Nordic Heron in 1958.The launch of the Nordic Heron in 1958.
The launch of the Nordic Heron in 1958.

The Echo archives are filled with photos - from night-time scenes in 1951 and 1970 to royal visits with the Duke of Kent in 1940 and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1963.

The Duke of Edinburgh on a visit to Thompsons in 1963.The Duke of Edinburgh on a visit to Thompsons in 1963.
The Duke of Edinburgh on a visit to Thompsons in 1963.

Ships launches were a big occasion

We were there when the yard was modernised in 1970, and when ship launches brought out the crowds in 1957, 1958, 1962, and 1979.

The launch of the 50,000-ton tanker British Cavalier from Thompsons in 1962.The launch of the 50,000-ton tanker British Cavalier from Thompsons in 1962.
The launch of the 50,000-ton tanker British Cavalier from Thompsons in 1962.

Sadly, Thompsons was mothballed in 1986 but the memories live on. Share yours by emailing [email protected]

Who's next for a retro film launch

And why not tell us which shipyard should get our film focus next.

Related topics:SunderlandFilmMemories

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