George Kelson Stothert

George Kelson Stothert (1833-1908) of G. K. Stothert and Co

1833 Born in Bath, son of John Stothert and his wife Susanna

1852 George Kelson Stothert opened his shipbuilding works at Hotwells, which became G. K. Stothert and Co. He was a pioneer in iron shipbuilding and marine engineering.

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1908 Obituary

GEORGE KELSON STOTHERT was born at Bristol en 24th March 1833.

He was articled to the firm of Messrs. Stothert, Slaughter and Co., Bristol, of which his father was Principal, and which was subsequently converted into the Avonside Engine Co.

In 1854 he entered into partnership with the late Mr. Ernest T. Fripp, as a builder of marine and stationary engines and of ships, under the style of G. K. Stothert and Co., of the Steam Ship Works, Hotwells, Bristol.

Some years afterwards Mr. Fripp retired, and Mr. Stothert carried on the business as sole proprietor down to the date of his death.

He was one of the pioneers of iron shipbuilding in this country, and during his career constructed a large number of steamships and sailing vessels, the former being fitted with machinery made at the works.

It may be of interest to note that one of these early iron vessels, the "Meander," built in 1855, is still in actual service, being registered at Marseilles under the name of the "Orient."

In recent years his business, in addition to ship-repairing, has included the construction of the smaller type of coasting steamer, tugboats, etc., and their propelling machinery; also the construction of engines and boilers and general millwright work.

Among his inventions may be mentioned a surface condenser without circulating pump, and an improved vertical multi-tubular boiler.

His death took place at his residence at Clifton, on 3rd October 1908, in his seventy-sixth year.

He became a Member of this Institution in 1877; he was also a Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

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