At Limehouse, across the Cut from the Island, was the boatyard of T & W Forrestt, builders to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
 The firm built the Institution's self-righting lifeboat, which they publicised by testing in the waters of the adjoining Cut.
 Reportedly these boats saved upwards of 12,000 lives.
Other notable builds included the Admiralty's fast anti-torpedo boats powered by the noiseless Willans engine, and the yawl  Rob Roy (one of the first vessels used in solo adventuring).
 When it became urgent to send an expedition to the Sudan to rescue General Gordon the firm built and delivered, in less than a month, 100 boats to a special design for ascending the cataracts of the Nile.

Forrestt's yard was called Norway Yard, a name that survives in Norway Place.
 The image—an engraving in the Illustrated London News—shows the boatyard after its restoration from a disastrous 1858 fire.
In the foreground is the London and Blackwall Railway with (in the distance) Stepney Station, now Limehouse DLR.
 The railway arches traverse Mill Place and Island Row.
 The Cut is visible at left centre.
 Across the Cut is the Island, with the Island Lead Mills (smoking chimney).
The rigging in the background reveals shipping lying in the Thames (left) or in the Regent's Canal Dock (centre).
At Limehouse, across the Cut from the Island, was the boatyard of T & W Forrestt, builders to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.  The firm built the Institution's self-righting lifeboat, which they publicised by testing in the waters of the adjoining Cut.  Reportedly these boats saved upwards of 12,000 lives. Other notable builds included the Admiralty's fast anti-torpedo boats powered by the noiseless Willans engine, and the yawl  Rob Roy (one of the first vessels used in solo adventuring).  When it became urgent to send an expedition to the Sudan to rescue General Gordon the firm built and delivered, in less than a month, 100 boats to a special design for ascending the cataracts of the Nile.
Forrestt's yard was called Norway Yard, a name that survives in Norway Place.  The image—an engraving in the Illustrated London News—shows the boatyard after its restoration from a disastrous 1858 fire. In the foreground is the London and Blackwall Railway with (in the distance) Stepney Station, now Limehouse DLR.  The railway arches traverse Mill Place and Island Row.  The Cut is visible at left centre.  Across the Cut is the Island, with the Island Lead Mills (smoking chimney). The rigging in the background reveals shipping lying in the Thames (left) or in the Regent's Canal Dock (centre).
Limehouse Cut