Volume One - Into the Victorian Age - The Penarth Shipbuilding & Ship Repairing Company Limited . . .

The Penarth Shipbuilding & Ship Repairing Company became a registered company on the 30th May 1878 according to the Stock Exchange Year Book of 1908. [041] Assent had been previously obtained to construct, by private person, a Gridiron and Slipway on the foreshore in the river Ely and near Penarth Dock in 1877. [142] The Cardiff Times [019] reported on progress of the company formation in its publication dated the 15th June 1878:

"Penarth Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing Company;- On the 30th ult. this company was registered with a capital of £30,000, in £50 shares, for the purpose of acquiring interest in lands situate within the custom-house port of Cardiff, and to construct and maintain gridirons, slipways, dry docks, sheds, and other conveniences for building and repairing seagoing vessels of every description, and the engines and machinery of steamships. The company will also purchase the whole or part of the interest of Messrs. James Edwards and John Fry, in an agreement with the Taff Vale Railway Company, dated 31st December 1877. The subscribers are:-

The number of directors is not to exceed seven. The first six subscribers are the first directors. Qualification, £400 in shares or stock. Remuneration, £250 per annum, to be divided between directors according to their attendance.

“Penarth Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing Company – Opening of the new gridiron – On Thursday was successfully opened at Penarth Harbour, near Penarth Dock, a gridiron, 350 feet in length, and which will, even at neap tides, accommodate large ships. The structure in question forms part of a contract for £26,000, which embraces, besides the construction of the gridiron, that of a slipway, as well as the erection of shops and machinery suitable for the building and repairs of wooden ships, iron, steam, and sailing vessels." Western Mail [036] 16th May 1879.