3-003-708 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Mr. John Laird, of Birkenhead, 1861. Engraving from a photograph by John and Charles Watkins. 'Mr . Laird has been connected with steam navigation since 1821...The Birkenhead Ironworks were commenced in 1824 by his father, the late Mr. William Laird, and the first iron vessel built at these works was in 1829. Great difficulties were experienced in persuading shipowners and the public to adopt iron vessels, and iron shipbuilding made but slow progress until 1839, when the Admiralty ordered the first iron steam-vessel for her Majesty's service from Mr. Laird...The Birkenhead Docks were first projected by the late Mr. William Laird in 1827...For the last thirty-five years Mr. John Laird has taken a most active part in all matters connected with the interests of Birkenhead, both as regards the docks and the township, and has by means of his shipbuilding and other works caused an enormous expenditure of money among the working classes during that period. Mr. Laird is a Deputy Lieutenant and magistrate for the county of Chester, a member of the council of the National Rifle Association, and Deputy Chairman of the County of Cheshire Rifle Association'. From "Illustrated London News", 1861.