William Pile

Who was William Pile?

William Pile 'his genius was displayed in the building of ships, wherein he was not excelled. As Watt was great as a builder of engines; and Stephenson was great as a builder of railways; so William Pile was great as a builder of ships.'

William was a renowned British shipbuilder. He was the first to introduce the Clipper class of ship to the river Wear, Sunderland. A testament to his art can be seen today, the Composite Clipper ship City of Adelaide. The ship was classed Experimental by Lloyd's of London in 1864. It would be a few years before Lloyds would formalise the rules for constructing composite ships, the rules used for the design and construction of the Composite Clipper ship Cuty Sark. This experiment has lasted over 150 years.

It is related that he used, when a young man, after his day’s work was done, to go into the loft, lay of a ship’s after body, draw the frames in ready for the moulds making, and have yet time to enjoy himself afterwards.

He was in his element in the midst of difficulties. It was at these times his stoutness of heart, cheerfulness and wonderful flow of good spirits acted like a charm to those around him.

What endeared Mr.