Swan Hunter (Ian Allan Glory Days Series)

Swan Hunter, formerly known as ‘Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson’, was one of the best known shipbuilding companies in the United Kingdom. Based in Wallsend, Tyne & Wear, the company was responsible for some of the greatest ships of the early 20th century — most famously, the RMS Mauretania which held the Blue Riband for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic, and the RMS Carpathia which rescued the survivors from the RMS Titanic.

Swan & Hunter was formed in 1880. In 1903, it merged with Wigham Richardson specifically to bid for the prestigious contract to build the Mauretania on behalf of Cunard. Together they combined the forces of three powerful shipbuilding families and their bid was successful. The new company went on to build what was to become, in its day, the most famous ocean going liner in the world. RMS Mauretania was launched from Wallsend-on-Tyne on the 20th of September 1906 to the cheers of huge crowds, eventually leaving service in 1935.

Sadly in November 1994, 400 years of shipbuilding tradition on the River Tyne ended when the Royal Navy frigate HMS Richmond was the last ship to be launched at the Swan Hunter shipyard. Symptomatic of the decline of the region’s loss of heavy industry, the closure of the yard meant the loss of one of the greatest names in British shipbuilding history.

Continuing the well-respected style of the ‘Glory Days’ series, this cracking new book beautifully explores the turbulent history of Swan Hunter through the 20th century. With over 125 stunning photographs in both mono and colour, this book will be greatly sought after by historians and maritime modellers of all abilities. It is a truly remarkable tribute to the country’s best-known shipbuilder.