GEORGE PYMAN & CO.

George Pyman (1822–1900) began as a ship chandler with his brother-in-law Francis English after moving to West Hartlepool in 1850. Around 1854 he partnered Thomas Scurr as shipbroker and coal fitter or agent, acquiring shares in sailing vessels. Scurr’s death in 1861 brought the name George Pyman & Co.; the first steamship followed in 1865. In 1868 Pyman and shipbuilder William Grey formed the East Coast Iron Steamship Association. Another account dates the chandlery to 1855. From 1894 new ships were registered under Pyman S.S. Co. Ltd. Heavy wartime losses led to liquidation in 1918.