On the south bank of the River Tyne Simon Temple Junior’s shipbuilding yard built many early wooden ships until it was acquired by Palmer’s in 1852, as illustrated in the accompanying picture of early wooden shipbuilding yards along the River Tyne.
The outbreak of the Crimean War (1853-1856) provided Palmer’s an opportunity for the company to market wares by supplying armor-plated battleships to the Admiralty. One notable order was for HMS Terror, Palmer’s first launch in 1856 a specialized vessel that could better be described as a floating arsenal.
Commissioned to battle the Russians and neutralize their base at Kronstadt in the Baltic, this ship helped establish Palmer’s reputation with the Admiralty. However, HMS Terror never saw action as the war was nearly over by the time it could be delivered. However, Palmer’s company’s reputation was solidified, leading to further orders from the Admiralty.
In 1862, HMS Defence was completed. Between 1872 and 1885, the coastal defense ships HMS Cerberus and HMS Gorgon were launched. Both vessels were followed by two fast dispatch ships for the Navy, HMS Surprise and HMS Alacrity. In total, Palmer’s shipyard built 100 warships for the Royal Navy.
The company continued to produce a variety of ships, including cruisers, gunboats, merchant vessels, tramp steamers, oil tankers, steam colliers, sailing ships with beautiful large sails, which remind me of olden day pirate ships. Notably, Sir Charles Mark Palmer, in addition to running a reputable shipyard and steel industry, from his first wife’s concern over life lost through accidents established Jarrow’s first accident and emergency hospital.