About Robertsons Boatyard

Woodbridge’s prosperity is rooted in its boat-building industry, which began in medieval times. Benefitting from an ideal location on the river and with access to oak from the forests around Framlingham, by the time Elizabeth I was on the throne, the town was well-established as a shipbuilding centre.

The founder of Robertsons Boatyard, Ebenezer Robertson, had the idea to start the business on a train journey to Southwold in 1884. Eyeing up the empty Lime Kiln Shipyard, he realised it was the ideal space in which to build yachts. One of his sons ran the yard, training local men to be shipwrights and constructing boats.

Although no longer owned by a Robertson, the yard today is still a family-owned business. In recent years there has been significant investment in many areas. The main buildings have been refurbished, machinery and lifting equipment replaced and upgraded, and accommodation (The Crow’s Nest) added with stunning views across the River Deben.

More recently, seeing a gap in the market here in Woodbridge for flexible working, a decision was made to turn an old boat shed, The Sprat Shed, into a co-working/event space. In addition, individual breakout spaces are included as part of the Sprat Shed membership.