Edward Finch and Co
of Chepstow, bridges and shipbuilding
founded by Edward Finch
Also see Finch and Co
1886 Edward Finch and Co won the contract to build a twin-screw tug and salvage steamer for service on the Bute Dock Estate[1]
1904 Dividend declared[2]
WWI During the War, the yard was extremely busy making minesweepers, tugs and boom defence vessels.
1916 The Finch yard was bought by Standard Shipbuilding Co with funding from a consortium of other shipyard owners. The first task was to modernise the yard - a new venue was found just downstream of the Finch yard. The company was then renamed Edward Finch (1916). The company now had four berths in the old Finch yard, eight new berths in the Chepstow No. 1 yard and a further eight berths in the Bleachely No. 2 yard which was located on the opposite side of the Wye.
1917 The Government took over the yards - becoming one of the National Shipyards. The Shipping Controller ordered two standard "C" types, four "H" types and six prefabricated "N" type vessels.
1918 Government funding was provided to build some Standard Ships[3]