Shipping on the River Teign
Shipping on the River Teign Collection
An important economic activity
Shipbuilding at the mouth of the River Teign has been an important economic activity for hundreds of years. Early records show that West Teignmouth was one of the major ports on the south-west coast in the 14th century, and responded to the King’s request for ships for the invasion of France.
There were fluctuations in fortune and trade over the years, but during the Napoleonic Wars 68 vessels were built in six local shipyards.
The Morgan Giles shipyard 1921-1968 built over 1,000 boats, from racing yachts to Admiralty vessels and luxury motor cruisers.
Part of the Teign Heritage Morgan Giles Collection
The Morgan Giles Archive
The Teignmouth-based Morgan Giles shipyard were the designers and builders of over 800 vessels of all classes.
Homepage of the Morgan Giles Archive
Teign Heritage set up a website to create increased awareness and appreciation of the vessels and the expertise that went into their build and preserve this knowledge for future generations.
It has been many years since the Morgan Giles shipyard has been in operation but interest in the yard and its products remains high due to the quality of the designs, the workmanship and the number of boats produced, many of which are still in use today.
The archive is dedicated to F.C. Morgan-Giles, the vessels, the shipyard and the people that worked there and includes an online register of all known boats for all to share.
If you would like to know more about the story of the Morgan Giles shipyard, you can buy our booklet at the Museum, or contact us for a copy by post for £5.
The biography Frank Morgan Giles - Designer Builder Racer, by Jane Shaddick is available to read at the museum.
