Sir Lindsay Parkinson & Company
| Company type | Public company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Civil engineering, Construction |
| Founded | July 13, 1937 |
| Founder | Jacob Parkinson (origins circa 1877) |
| Defunct | August 1974 |
| Fate | Acquired by Leonard Fairclough & Son |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
Key people | Albert Edward Parkinson (Chairman), George Westhead Parkinson (former Chairman) |
| Products | Motorway construction, civil engineering projects, residential developments |
Sir Lindsay Parkinson & Company Ltd, frequently referred to as Sir Lindsay Parkinson & Co. Ltd or simply Lindsay Parkinson, was a prominent British civil engineering enterprise responsible for building significant segments of the UK's motorway infrastructure, including parts of the M4 and M6 motorways. In 1974, it was taken over by Leonard Fairclough & Son.
History
The origins of the firm trace back to circa 1877 with the establishment of Jacob Parkinson and Company by Jacob Parkinson, who ran a joinery workshop in Blackpool. His four sons, among them Albert Lindsay Parkinson, later joined the enterprise. Initially specializing in joinery, the company diversified into broader construction contracts during the early 20th century, delivering projects such as Blackpool’s Talbot Hotel and the Alhambra Theatre. Securing a contract at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle upon Tyne prompted the opening of a Newcastle branch, which enabled additional theatre projects throughout northern England and the Midlands. By the time of the First World War, a London office had also been established.
During wartime, their contract portfolio expanded to include aerodrome construction and railway siding works. After the war, the company shifted focus towards large-scale residential developments—such as the Parkinson-Kahn reinforced concrete housing—and broadened its civil engineering activities to include trunk road projects. Following Lindsay Parkinson’s knighthood recognizing his public contributions, the company adopted his name.
Public company
On 13 July 1937, company assets were transferred to a newly incorporated entity named Sir Lindsay Parkinson Holdings Limited.
Originally based at Lindsay House, 171 Shaftesbury Avenue in London (since demolished), the firm moved its headquarters in 1955 to 6 Lambeth Road near St. George's Circus.
During the Second World War, it played a vital role as a contractor in building components for the Mulberry harbours.
On 20 December 1943, Chairman Lieutenant Colonel George Westhead Parkinson MC died in a vehicular accident. Albert Edward Parkinson, who had been managing director since 1937, then assumed the chairmanship.
Takeover
In August 1974, Leonard Fairclough & Son, whose headquarters were located at Sandiway House in Northwich, acquired Sir Lindsay Parkinson Holdings.
Structures
- No.3 Fish Dock located in Grimsby
- Basildon Hospital, completed in 1973
Roads
- Lancaster bypass on M6, finished in 1960
- M6 segment from junctions 8 (Bescot) to 10 (Darlaston), completed in 1971
- M62 stretch between A56 and A672 (Windy Hill), completed in 1971
- M53 motorway serving Ellesmere Port, completed in 1972
- Section of M4 from Crick to Newport, finished in 1966
- M1 (Northern Ireland) between junctions 8 and 9, completed in 1965
- M1 (Northern Ireland) from junctions 10 to 12, finalized in 1968
Reservoirs
- Llys-y-Fran Dam, completed in 1972
Sources
Further reading
- Construction and civil engineering companies of the United Kingdom
- Companies formerly listed on the London Stock Exchange
- Companies based in Blackpool
- Construction and civil engineering companies established in 1937
- British companies established in 1937
- London Borough of Wandsworth
- 1937 establishments in England
- 1974 disestablishments in England
- 1974 mergers and acquisitions
- British companies disestablished in 1974
- Construction and civil engineering companies disestablished in the 20th century