Henry Niccol

Henry Niccol (22 September 1819 – 9 November 1887) was probably the first shipbuilder in Auckland, New Zealand. He was born in 1819 in Greenock. He was the father of George Turnbull Niccol (1844–1925).

Early life

Henry Niccol was born on 22 September 1819 at Greenock, the son of shipbuilder, Thomas Niccol and Isabel McQuistan. He married Sarah McLarty at Greenock on 29 November 1840 and they were among the first settlers to sail directly to Auckland from Greenock on the 558 ton barque, Jane Gifford, on 9 October 1842.

Career Niccol set up a shipyard on Waiheke Island and in 1843 completed the 16 ton schooner Thistle, which sold for over £60. He moved his yard to Auckland, to a site now well inland, at the corner of Queen Street and Vulcan Lane, where he built 3 yachts for the Sheriff of Auckland, Percival Berry. In 1844, and attributed with making many fast voyages. She was the largest sailing vessel built in Auckland. In 1863 plans were made for the Auckland and Drewry Railway to cross the road between the shipyard and Swan Inn, though Parnell Bridge didn't open until a decade later. In 1866 Iona and Fingal He was also chairman of Devonport Highway Board, on the first Auckland Harbour Board in 1871 Some engineers, such as Richard Henry Yeoman, only built a few ships.