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Robert Napier

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Robert Napier

Robert Napier (1791-1876) was a shipbuilder.

Napier was born in Dumbarton, the son of an engineer. He worked with the Edinburgh engineer Robert Stevenson before going into business on his own account in Greyfriars Wynd in 1815. He began to manufacture marine engines, establishing the the Vulcan Foundry in Washington Street in 1828, and in 1836 leased David Napier's Lancefield engineworks (having leased his Camlachie works some time earlier).

In 1841 Napier commenced building iron ships at a yard in Govan. Napier became known as "The Father of Clyde Shipbuilding." He revolutionised the design and construction of steam ships and trained many young men who went on to make the River Clyde the world's greatest centre of shipbuilding.

Reference: Mitchell Library, 920.04BAI

Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning

Keywords:
Govan New Yard, Lancefield Engineworks, marine engineering, marine engineers, shipbuilders, shipbuilding, shipyards, steam ships, Vulcan Foundry



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