William Pile (shipbuilder)
| William Pile | |
|---|---|
Designer, shipwright and engine builder
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| Born |
10 October 1822 Sunderland, England |
| Died | 5 June 1873 (aged 50) Hotel, Bishipgate Street, London, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Citizenship | British |
William Pile (10 October 1822 – 5 June 1873) was a renowned British shipbuilder. "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."
Pile 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 Cutty 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. Pile so much to those who knew him was his kindness, carefree bearing, and the total absence of pride or affectation. It was said to be a pleasure to deal with or work for him.
He was beloved by every workman under him, many who had served him for ten to twenty or more years, could never remember receiving an inconsiderate word or action from him. Even in the severest trial of all – the death bed – he showed to those around him that his workmen were then in his thoughts, and nearly the last wish he expressed connected with earthly things was, that all should be paid the wages due to them.
Among the most distinguishing traits of Mr. Pile was the simplicity and genuineness of his character, and the total absence of cant. He had the softest heart (which was also often imposed on). He could not bear to see distress without relieving it, or hear a request without granting it. But he shrunk from parading his charity; to what extent will never be known now.
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Wikipedia