1857 - apprenticed to the firm of Ravenhill, Salkeld & Co. 1861 - with James Hilditch, patented several inventions, including a steam carriage and a steam plough. 1865 - went into partnership with a Mr Hedley, establishing a works at Folly Wall, Isle of Dogs. 1875 - partnership with Hedley dissolved and became Yarrow & Co. 1897 - business incorporated as Yarrow & Co. Ltd. 1906-1908 - Yarrow & Co. Ltd. moved to Scotstoun, on the River Clyde following shipbuilding decline on the Thames. 1916 - received a baronetcy for his war services. 1922 - became a fellow of the Royal Society. 1924 - received the honorary degree of LLD from Glasgow University.