Denny, William
d. 1854
Founder of William Denny and Brothers of Dumbarton, one of the most influential of the Clyde shipbuilders. His father, also William (1779-1833), was the first of the family to build ships in the town, aided by his oldest son John (1802-1838) and others. William jr. and his brothers Peter and Alexander started the modern company in 1844, and when joined by another brother, James, gave the firm its modern title in 1849. The business was developed by the brothers, with technical advances that led to the establishment of standards that were accepted internationally. William died intestate at Woodyard House in the shipbuilding yard of that name, where their ships were built until 1867. His inventory reflects not only his immediate shipbuilding interests, but also his financial involvement in other industries. Another inventory in the name of William Denny, apprentice ship carpenter, 7th July 1871, who died suddenly in Glasgow, is that of his nephew, the son of his brother, James. His entry can be found in the website index, together with those of several other members of this famous shipbuilding family.
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