David Napier by David Napier and David Bell: Note 22
22. DAVID TOD, 1796-1859. JOHN MCGREGOR, 1800-1858
These well-known engineers entered David Napier's service at an early age at Camlachie and accompanied him thence to Lancefield Foundry.
Becoming experienced workmen, they were from time to time appointed as sea-going engineers in vessels engined by Napier — Tod having occupied this position for some time in the historic Rob Roy, and McGregor’s last service afloat being in the Clyde, a Liverpool steamer.
About 1833 they resolved to commence business on their own account; and Napier, who had thoughts of removing to London, made offer to them of his Lancefield works. Preferring however to begin on a smaller scale, they started business as Tod and McGregor, Engineers in Carrick Street, Glasgow, — their first engines it is said being fitted into the Helen McGregor, a steamer that plied between Glasgow and Inverness.
Within a short time the increase of business led to their feuing ground on the then open lands adjoining Anderston Quay, immediately west of Warroch Street, where they erected extensive engine and boiler works, long known as Clyde Foundry.
About 1838 they commenced the building of iron ships on the south bank of the Clyde, opposite Lancefield Dock, being thus among the first to combine iron ship building and marine engineering. The river there at that time was only about 150 to 160 feet wide, and the subsequent extensive widenings of the harbour caused the site of this shipyard, and the adjoining premises of Thomas Wingate, to be wholly removed. Among the steamers built here were the Vale of Leven, Royal Tar, Royal Sovereign, Royal George, and Princess Royal; some of these being for Langlands' Liverpool trade.
In 1844 the shipbuilding business was transferred to Meadowside, Partick, where also the firm had a large dry dock formed about 1856. They further erected two handsomely finished building-sheds, of 280 and 340 feet length respectively over the shipyard which were unfortunately destroyed by the memorable storm of February 1856, and were not replaced.
After the death of the original partners, Tod & McGregor’s business was for some years carried on by their sons; and on their retiral in 1872 the shipyard and dock were acquired by Messrs. Handyside and Henderson, the present owners being Messrs. David and William Henderson & Co., Limited.
See Also