1858 - began working in his father's shipyard at Pallion. 1878 - joined the Institution of Naval Architects. 1882 - following his father's death, became the managing director of William Doxford & Sons. 1885 - involved in the labour conciliation board established in Sunderland. 1892 - was a witness to the Royal Commission on Labour. 1895 - became a Unionist MP for Sunderland. 1896 - elected a council member of the Institution of Naval Architects. 1900 - knighted. 1906 - retired from parliament. 1908 - became Vice President of the Insitution of Naval Architects. 1908-1912 - served as Chairman of the Wear Shipbuilders' Association.