J.P. Denton began his career in shipbuilding in 1839, when he took over the yard previously used by Parkin and Richardson. His first vessel, the Petrel, was launched the same year. The business continued successfully for many years, combining shipbuilding and ship repair. In 1860 Denton's built a ship for William Gray, who ran a profitable drapery business in Hartlepool. Denton and Gray decided to form a partnership to build iron ships. Denton's last ship was the Blanche, named after one of William Gray's daughters. Following her launch in 1863 the company name was changed to Denton, Gray and Company.

The new company launched their first ship, the Dalhousie, in 1864. The Lizzie English, which they launched in 1867, was thought to be the world's first well-deck ship. With orders flowing in, it was necessary to relocate to a larger yard at West Hartlepool and the complex soon covered eight acres, employing up to 1200 men.

Denton's health had been gradually declining and he died in 1871. This resulted in a legal battle for control of the company between Gray and Denton's two sons. This was resolved in 1874, when the Denton brothers left the firm and William Gray took full ownership.

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