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Description

This works was the first on the Clyde to produce a marine steam engine. It was owned by James Cook who is remembered by the naming of Cook Street in Tradeston, Glasgow. The works produced many engines for sugar mills and ships. Many marine engines were manufactured here in Glasgow for vessels built in Greenock. It was known as Cook's Works and, due to its huge influence on engine design and the number of engineers and workmen who were trained here and went on to found and work for other businesses, it was revered as the 'College'. Cook bought a large amount of undeveloped land for the works. These works were extensive for the time, with the addresses 91, 95 and, later, 100 Commerce Street.

Manufacturing of engines in Glasgow for vessels built in Greenock, and other locations downstream, was continue until the River Clyde was deepened and shipyards opened on the upper river.

Notes:
91 and 95 Commerce Street were on the east side. This ground was taken for the building of Bridge Street station, terminus of the Glasgow and Paisley Joint Railway, which opened in 1840. 100 Commerce Street is on the west side.

Cook Street may be named more generally as David Cook (no relation to James Cook) took over the works.

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