1846 - company established by Robert Thompson and his three sons. 1854 - Robert Thompson (jnr) left the company and set up his own yard under the name Robert Thompson and Sons. 1860 - Robert senior died and the business was taken over by Joseph Lowes Thomson (his son). 1871 - the company was renamed Joseph L. Thompson and Sons. 1875 - Joseph L. Thompson retired and the business continued by his sons. 1882 - had the highest output of any Wear shipbuilder. 1894 - became the limited liability company Joseph L. Thompson & Sons Ltd.