The Thames Ironworks, Shipbuilding and Engineering Company was founded in 1837. The company was one of the early proponents of the use of iron rather than wood in shipbuilding. They had two yards on the River Lea straddling the mouth of the river at its confluence with the Thames.

The company produced steamers, self-righting lifeboats, ships for the Navy and even private yachts for Queen Victoria and the Pope.

One of their major innovations was in warships and they produced the world’s first iron clad warship, HMS Warrior, now part of the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth.