Time was when Swan Hunter was a name to be reckoned with in the world of ship building; formerly known as "Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson", Swan Hunter was one of the best known companies in the United Kingdom.
During a 130 year existence, Swan Hunter built over 1,600 ships of various types including more than 400 naval vessels and support ships.
The Swan Hunter name is synonymous with innovative design and quality and their Tyneside shipyards have been the birth-place of many fine vessels including ships like the 'Mauritania' which was built at Swan Hunter in 1906 and held the Blue Riband for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic. Also the RMS Carpathia which rescued the survivors from RMS Titanic.
How sad to look down from the Wallsend side of the Tyne at this once thriving business and view all that remains... idle cranes and emptiness.
I make no excuse for my attempt at producing moody images of industrial decline... I'm just saddened the collapse of the cream of British shipbuilding.
nultygoestopartick
HMS Glasgow was built there.