1793 - Laings of Deptford Yard founded by brothers, Philip and John Laing. 1844 - James Laing took control of the Deptford yard. 1897 - Jamies Laing knighted. 1898 - company registered as a limited liability company. 1901 - Sir James died and management of the company continued under his brothers Philip and Hugh. 1909 - Sir James Marr was appointed to the Board to assist the company overcome its financial difficulties. 1930 - the yard closed down with only indentured apprentices kept on. 1954 - merged with Thompson’s, the Crown yard and the repairer T. W. Greenwell and Co as Sunderland Shipbuilding, Dry Dock and Engineering Co. 1961 - merged into the Doxford and Sunderland Shipbuilding and Engineering Company Limited.