Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Company

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The Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Company, Limited was an iron works or heavy industrial factory complex based at the junction of Bow Creek and the River Thames. Its main activity was shipbuilding. Its philanthropist managing director was Arnold Hills.

Perhaps the company's most famous ship was HMS Warrior, when built the most advanced warship afloat, featuring all ironclad hull, with heavy armour making her invulnerable to most cannon of the time, and innovative breech loading, rifled cannon.

The launch of HMS Albion was marred by a terrible accident when several observers lost their lives following a bridge collapse.

In 1895, the Works' employees formed a football club, Thames Ironworks F.C. Within their first two years they had entered the FA Cup and the London League. As a result of the committee's desire to employ professional players, the Thames Ironworks F.C. was wound up in June 1900 and West Ham United F.C. was formed a month later.

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