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Greenwich Industrial History Society would like to add our names to the many people who expressed their sadness at the death of Kay Murch. Kay had worked on the East Greenwich Gas Works site from the time it was a gas works - starting off as a copy typist in the 1960s and ending up as the only person left on site. She went on to become English Partnership's site manager - looking after the site with the eyes of the world on it through Millennium Year. Kay was a member of GIHS from its earliest meetings - and indeed her support made early organisation much easier than it would otherwise have been. Thanks Kay - and our condolences to Brian.. |
LIMEBURNERS OF CHARLTON AND WHYTELEAFE
By Paul W. Sowan
Barbara Ludlow's short item A unique site at Charlton: Nichols's lime kilns, later the Crown Fuel Company and Greenwich Pottery in Greenwich Industrial History 4 (3), May 2001, page 1, is of considerable interest to me, as in 1997 I collected some information on E.G. (Fred) Nicholls' two limeworks in east Surrey. This was summarised in a short article (E.G. Nicholls' Whyteleafe limeworks) published in the Bourne Society Bulletin 170 (November 1997). pp. 15 - 17. The Bourne Society concerns itself with the local history of a number of East Surrey parishes centred on Caterham and Coulsdon. I had also identified the Crown Fuel Company as being involved with the Riddlesdown or Rose and Crown Limeworks. Barbara Ludlow's note tells me much more about the Nicholls family (despite the variant spellings, they are evidently all the same family) and the Crown Fuel Company.
Charlton and Greenwich readers may like to have the following East Surrey details to complete their picture.
The two Surrey limeworks with which the family were concerned were the Riddlesdown (or Rose and Crown) limeworks, of which the large chalk pit remains a conspicuous feature on the east side of the A22 at Whyteleafe; it is best seen from trains crossing the viaduct on the 'Oxted line' between Riddlesdown and Upper Warlingham stations. This pit appears to have been commenced in or about 1824 (a date taken from some 20th century company letterhead), and was already a major obstacle to the construction of the railway from 1865 onwards, hence the viaduct. The part of the pit east of the viaduct is now operated as a closed nature reserve by the City of London, although I recall visiting the limeworks when they were still a going concern in the 1960s. The much smaller and shorter-lived Whiteleafe (or Whyteleafe) limeworks was also on the east side of the main road and railway line, about a mile further south, south of Upper Warlingham station. The Whyteleafe works are not shown on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey large scale maps and plans, surveyed in 1867; but they do appear on the contract plans and sections for the railway dated 1880 (the railway was commenced as the Surrey & Sussex Junction Railway, but failed, and was completed later as the Croydon, Oxted & East Grinstead Railway which opened in 1884). The site is now occupied by modern houses and a small recreation ground off Hillside Road. The latter pit had a standard gauge rail link, but such a link was impossible from the viaduct high above the kilns at the larger pit.
As a result of the Quarries Act, 1894, all open pits for
mineral working over 20 feet deep were subject to inspection and
regulation. Both pits fell into this category. The Act came into
effect on 1 January 1895, but it took HM Inspector of Mines and
Quarries for the North Wales & Isle of Man District (which
district included Surrey.) a few years to identify, list and visit
the large number of open pits added to his workload. Data for the two
pits is published from 1897 onwards, and I have ready access to
figures for this and the three following years. Nicholls' local
manager was one A.E. Mead, and the men employed 'inside' and
'outside' the two pits averaged 15 and 4 for the smaller pit and 11
and 2 for the much larger one. No accidents or prosecutions are on
record for either pit for the period 1897-1900 (Clement Le Neve
Foster was an enthusiastic prosecutor of quarry operators who
failed to observe the requirements of the Quarries Act and of the
Factory Acts (he was also Inspector of Factories). As far as
limeworks are concerned Surrey directories show Nicholls still in
possession of both pits up to 1924 but that for 1927 represents him
only as a coal merchant. By the 1930 directory neither Nicholls nor
the Whyteleafe limeworks are listed. Clearly reading as wide a range
as possible of local Society newsletters might well lead to a lot of
jigsaw puzzle pieces being fitted together.
ROYAL ARSENAL GARDENS At the 26th July meeting of the Greenwich Planning Board, proposals for the second phase of the development of this new park on the western boundary of the Royal Arsenal site came up for consideration. Members of the Committee had before them a request to grant planning permission for both of the landscaping options submitted; one which retains the Gatehouse Building in Warren Lane, the other which seeks its removal. Members were unable to reach a decision and recommended that that the two options be brought before the next meeting of the Planning Board as two distinct applications, each with its own specific recommendations. The majority view seemed to be that retention of the Gatehouse Building would detract from the impression of the new open space when approached from the west; only one Councillor spoke in favour of the building's retention. The omens therefore are not promising when this item is considered in late September.
FORMER MERRYWEATHER FACTORY & OFFICES, GREENWICH HIGH ROAD About a year ago, a planning application was submitted for the development of this site for a mix of residential and business uses, primarily retaining most of the buildings on the site but with a new seven storey office block to the ear, overlooking Deptford Creek. That application was turned down by the Council on the grounds that it did not comply with the West Greenwich Development Framework which indicates the use of this site for light industry, warehouses and small business units. Recently a new application has been submitted by a developer, Reefmark Ltd., to plans drawn up by BUJ Architects. (BUJ are also the designers for the proposed mixed use development at Anchor Iron Wharf and had previously prepared a scheme for the development of the nearby Lovell's Wharf). The present proposals comply with the Development Framework in that the use is wholly employment orientated and there are to be a series of five buildings ranging in height from 3 to 8 storeys. The development is now not just on the former Merryweather site but also on the site occupied by the Ryder Warehouse immediately to the west. The proposals envisage wholesale demolition of all the buildings on both sites and, in respect of the Merryweather plot, this gives considerable cause for concern. The buildings which front Greenwich High Road, whilst not to everyone's taste, are a reminder of the thriving business which was carried on here until the late 1960s and more importantly, there remains on the eastern edge of the site adjacent to the Deptford Pumping Station a three-storey warehouse, the Station Building, which, from the outside, appears to be in relatively good condition. The date could be early Victorian or even earlier. Approaches have been made to the Council with a view to getting this element of the development reconsidered to allow for the retention and refurbishment of the building. It is neither on the statutory list nor on the Council's local list, so, at present, it is afforded no protection whatsoever. English Heritage, in the form of Paul Calvocoressi, also has expressed an interest in the retention of the building. Its loss would be yet another addition to the catalogue of buildings throughout the borough squandered for commercial gain.
SciTech 2001 A unique event designed to celebrate the role of science and technology in society - past, present and future. A fantastic day out that will include lectures, exhibits, and demonstrations, with a few extras (crafts, entertainment and refreshments) to make sure there will be something to appeal to everyone in the family. Incorporates 9th Annual Car and Vehicle Show. Free parking at Avery Hill campus. Greenwich Industrial History Society will need help on their stall. Ring Jack Vaughan 0208 855 6512. |
Where addresses are not given, please contact through the Editor, c/o 24 Humber Road, London SE3
From Barbara Ludlow
Do you know anything about the Welsbach Incandescent GasLight Co? They sound Welsh or German - I have something about their mantles?
I take it that the passage which runs from Crowley/Anchor Iron Wharf and Ballast Quay is a right of way. Often I have hurried along it hoping the scrap would not fall on my head. The Robinsons (who had the original scrap yard there) who used to live in Mycenae Road told me that their father was not happy about the pathway. Dorothy Robinson told me that they lived at 63 Foyle Road for a time and found papers in the attic about the Brocklebank (shipbuilding family) because Thomas Brocklebank's grandson lived there until 1919. I think Dorothy said that they threw the Brocklebank stuff in the dustbin.
From Tom Ridge
I am interested in a building in Greenwich, which has stanchions and cranes similar to one I am investigating on the Regent's Canal. Ring me on 020 8981 7361.
From Mark Ladley
Could you put the following request for information to your members to help solve a long running puzzle?
The subject is an entry in a Will dated 1727 referring to "a duty and profit arising from the Chains in the River Thames." A copy of the Will had been entered in the local Parish Register (Barnby Dun, Doncaster, S Yorks) and my father and some friends had been transcribing it when they came across this item, and they have been unable to find any information about it since. The Will is that of Francis, Duchess of Sunderland. Thanks,
From Brockelbank family
I came across this site via a search engine, searching for General Steam Navigation. I am trying to find information on my great-great-great grandfather, Thomas Brockelbank (1774-1843), who was Managing Director of the company prior to his death in 1843.
From Colin Read
Can you give me any information, or advise me as to where I can get information about the scientific instrument makers, Troughton & Sims? My grandfather was apprenticed to the firm around 1880.
From Dave Warren
Have just stumbled across your very interesting and informative website. I don't know if you are the right person to ask this question, but here goes anyway. Do you happen to know if Cade's Cavern underneath The Point, Blackheath is planned to be opened for public entry in the not too distant future?
From Valda Low
I just found your Greenwich Industrial History site. This is a long shot but I am wondering if you can help me? My great grandfather, William Reynolds, was an iron moulders here in Australia. Among other things, he worked on the design of lacework for some of Brisbane's prominent buildings. Before arriving in Australia he is listed in Greenwich, Kent in 1881 and as working as an iron founder at "the Works." Can you tell me if there was an iron works or foundry there and if so, could you point me in the right direction to find further information on it?
From Linda Scott
My husband's grandfather, Francis Scott, was working as a carman for Pickfords and was the second person to use the Blackwall Tunnel. When it opened he was given a silver or gold topped whip. Are there any photographs of the opening event available, or any other relevant information about the opening of the tunnel? Many thanks.
From A.D.D. Jenkins
I should be grateful if you could provide any information on the identity of the factory manufacturing Kampultican in the Creek Road area of Greenwich and shown on the large scale OS maps of the area.
From 'An Engineer'
The riveted wrought iron roof of the former Neptune Hall of the National Maritime Museum was dismantled about three years ago. The metalwork was put in store with the expectation that it would be re-erected within a reasonable period. Has it been re-erected and if so where?
Via e-Mail
I am interested in Ballast Quay. These were small, humble dwellings and I presume that they belonged to dock workers, rope-makers etc. when built. I would like to know more about them. I understand they were on the site of the Green Man Public House which was rebuilt around 1800 and it would appear that some of the properties date from that time. The buildings of Union Wharf are curious - the symmetrical terrace with the prominent central block has been altered over time and the individual houses have different external details. I have been unable to trace when the building at number 11 was demolished. There is a rumour that the building dates from c.1840, but this does not seem to accord with the physical evidence.
From Geoff Knight
Henry Maudslay's sister Ann married a g-g-g grandfather of mine - a William Hartshorn, who was I believe, employed by Maudslay as a engineer and worked with him on the block making machinery at Portsmouth. This is supposition based on the fact that one of their children - Ann Joanna Hartshorn was born in Portsea in 1803 - the time when the work was underway on the machinery. Do you have any records, or for that matter, any information about Henry Maudslay, or his firm Maudlsay, Sons & Field Ltd?
From Terry Tomlin
Request information on the ship Maulesden built by Alexander Stephen & Sons, Dundee in 1875, to complete an historical painting. The Maulesden sailed from Greenock to Maryborough, Queensland, Australia with immigrants in 70 days, a record that still stands. I need a description of the Maulesdens Figurehead and if possible details of the ribbon carving on the trail boards. Can you HELP?
From Lorna Barter
Greetings! Well, things are really moving for The Swiftstone Trust now... after what seemed like forever - talking, meeting, negotiating, waiting, paperwork and more waiting... at last The Swiftstone officially belongs to the Trust and we have 'hands-on' her to begin the preservation work. Wonderful!!
Sadly, we were not able to get a full qualified crew together at relatively short notice to assist on Barge Race Day - but we have plans to be actively involved in the Sponsored Barge Driving (in aid of the Dreadnought Unit) in August from Erith to Gravesend.
Swifty is now sitting on the foreshore at the (still doomed but not lost) Wood Wharf. There is a lovely report on the day she was moved, written by Ian Hale, on the Updates page at the site. Pop over and have a look when you have a chance www.thames.org.uk/news.htm. Full results and a few pix of the Barge Race are also up now.
If you'd like to get involved with any of the activities or events which are being planned give Reg a call on 020 8310 5167 - cleaning, painting, *sorting out* & *tidying up* or just sitting about and chatting <grin> we'd be happy to have your help! lorna@thames.org.uk
From James Sargeant
Please would you be so good as to inform Mrs Ward that indeed the Anchor and Hope Public House is indeed still in existence... I must admit to having a certain fascination for this pub as it was owned and operated by my family for 99 years. My Father and his brothers were all born in the pub... and they worked as waterman and lighterman on the Thames.... Kind Regards
From Iris Bryce
Re: Ted Barr's series on 'Small Engineering Firms' -here's some more he might like to include:
Merrett's Coal Yard - The Merrett family lived in Woodlands Grove and their yard was in the alleyway that ran behind the shops in Trafalgar Road between David Greig (on the corner of Woodland Walk - called Woodland Street until the 1930s) and Woolworths. By the coal yard was a wheelwright's business owned by Mr. David Baker who lived next door to my grandmother in Woodland Grove. His son, also named Dave, lived next door to me in 22 Woodland Walk. Another son, Tim Baker, lived in a small house in that alleyway.
There was a blacksmith - sorry, I don't know the name - situated at the top of Mell Street - this street was known as Miles Street when I lived in Greenwich and there was a three or four-storey tenement block opposite the blacksmith, known as Miles Buildings.
From Chris Rule
We have just sorted the GLIAS website address out - it is now at www.glias.org.uk.
From Colin Evans, The Maudslay Society
I am referring to the recent seminar on Maudslay held at Kew Bridge Engines Trust. It was very nice to attend this seminar despite the heat in the lecture room! We also talked about the new museum, which is being set up in the old Royal Arsenal to house some of the exhibits from the Artillery Museum on Woolwich Common. In view of Maudslay's early association with the Arsenal and then with Greenwich some space in the new museum should be reserved for a section on Maudslay and his work.
From Howard Slight
Further information on Ted Barr's 'Smaller Engineering Firms':
The premises of Haybeard, a manufacturer of small electrical transformers, was situated in the building that forms the corner of Blackheath Road and Lewisham Road.
The electric cable manufacturer whose factory was situated in Georgette Place (not Luton Place) and extended along behind King George Street was, in the mid 1920s, the Croydon Cable Works Ltd. In the early 1930s the premises was taken over by the Metropolitan Electric Light and Power Co., later LEB, who used it as a store. In the 1960s the land was compulsory purchased by the GLC. In the 1970s, part of the main building was used by the Greenwich Theatre to build stage scenery and later the whole building became artists' studios. The land is now partly school property and partly private housing.
Henry Sykes, the pump manufacturer still exists and has
premises in Gallions Road, Charlton.
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This article is from Tony Coles, Grange-over-Sands, and is reprinted from Historic Gas Times, with their permission.
I am writing this sat at a leather topped oak desk made by the Chippies at East Greenwich Gas Works pre-1958 and bought for £1.50!
I started in 1956 at Old Kent Road Gas Works, then went to Sydenham Gas Works and then East Greenwich Gas Works. Nothing much had changed! I do miss the characters. The Station Engineer at East Greenwich - not a Colonel, but 'God' was referred to as 'Kipper'. I was told not to let him hear you say it, as it was 'gutless and two faced'.
Some time in 1963 I was a Gas Engineering Assistant at East Greenwich, after graduating. I was relief Shift Controller (paid at the rate of £1,200 when acting!) £870 basic salary. Early on, I had to do a couple of shifts on my own as my mentor Fred Page had a car accident and was off.
First, round the works - I went to no. 1 CWG plant - a great cavernous building containing eight Humpheries and Glasgow CWG units. These were set up for naphtha (petrol in effect) reforming. I wandered up to the first floor where the foreman's office was located - one Ernie Low an ex-serviceman in his forties. He said 'Tony do you want tea?' - dare I refuse! I said that I had seen in the Shift Log that the naphtha control valve was faulty on No 1 unit and that it was shut down on standby. (Replacement of the valve required that it was isolated, steamed out to remove all traces of naphtha with a full permit to work issued by an authorised person.) I said 'I think we had better get the shift process fitter and instrument technician to replace the control valve' and that I would give a permit. Ernie said 'Can you do this Mr. Coles?' I said 'We can't let the plant stay out of action'. Ernie then said 'Can you give a permit, sir?' I said 'Well I will have to. I can't leave the unit off.' Ernie then said 'You had better put a note in my book, SIR! You are the Engineer - on your head be it!' I then said 'You may be right we will leave it for the next shift!' Ernie then said 'How about that cup of tea Tony'.
The postscript is that on the Tuesday (it was a Bank Holiday) I came in on days and was instructed to see the Deputy Station Engineer, Fred Cope. After the regular wait of ten minutes in the corridor outside his office - I was summoned in and was asked in no uncertain way why I had left a CWG plant unavailable on a Saturday night? This plant was important! I answered that I could not issue a permit since I was not yet authorised so to do.
Fred Cope then reached into his drawer and ceremoniously gave me a
completed form of authorisation to issue work permits. Had I issued a
fudged permit then I would have been dressed down and left under
supervision for several more weeks! I did thank Ernie!
by Andrew Turner
The Angerstein branch has always operated as a freight-only line, but occasionally enthusiasts' passenger trains have ventured onto the line. One such ran in July and I took the opportunity to join it and see the area from a different angle.
The tour first visited two other branches once associated with
Thames river traffic - the truncated former GWR line to
Brentford and the line to Thames Haven in Essex. From the
latter, it made a leisurely run to Charlton, where we turned off onto
the Angerstein branch. After curving past the former signal
works and passing under the Greenwich line, the train paused for
a few minutes before continuing along the embankment and crossing
over the Woolwich Road. Just before Bugsby Way, the line splits with
the section straight ahead now forming part of a run-round loop. The
train took the other line, passing a WW2 pillbox and crossing
Bugsby Way on the eastern bridge. Beyond this is a largely vacant
area, once presumably covered by sidings. We continued across this
and finally came to a halt about 250m from the River, just short of
the covered discharge shed used by Aggregate Industries. This
receives incoming stone by train from Leicestershire for local
distribution. To the east, another siding runs to Tarmac's
loading point, where dredged gravel and sand are loaded for
distribution by rail to several locations in the London area. The
various items of plant and machinery on the site restricted the view
forward and made it difficult to understand the overall layout of the
various works. After a stay of a few minutes, the train set off back
along the branch and returned to central London.
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LATEST REPORT AND ADVENTURES of a newly preserved tug
June - Nothing happens for ages and then suddenly it all comes at once!! The Swiftstone finally transferred to us officially on June 1st 2001. She was close to the action though on barge race day, moored on the roads off Wood Wharf at Greenwich... and we have since moved her onto the foreshore and started to really get to know 'the old girl'. It was an amazing manoeuvre, repositioning the 'roads' anchor, getting her up on the foreshore (without crashing into the wharf!) and securing her with a web of ropes & chains. A wonderful day... and thanks go to everyone involved.
'Swifty' on the day of the Great River Race, 15/9/01
Ian Hale wrote - ' privileged, here I am standing on the ex-Cory
motor tug Swiftstone taking in the sights and sounds of a large
turbo-charged diesel engine. This is Swifty's first trip in private
preservation and favours will be done today for the barge owners and
ex-Tilbury Ferry The Edith - moored near Wood Wharf. We admire
the shape of Swifty's hull, enthuse over the machinery, and generally
run out of superlatives! After copious amounts of tea and coffee are
imbibed, Reg is presented with a special flag, which now adorns the
masthead.
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This newsletter was produced for Greenwich Industrial History Society, Chair, Jack Vaughan, 35 Eaglesfield Road, SE18. Views expressed in it are those of the authors and not of the Society.
Contributions (within reason) are always welcome.
ANY NEWSLETTER IS ONLY AS GOOD AS ITS CONTENTS MAKE IT.
IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO TO CONTRIBUTE - ARTICLES, REPORTS, LETTERS -
ANYTHING
Please send to Mary Mills (address below).
Meetings as advertised at the head of this newsletter will be held at;
The Old Bakehouse, (at back of the) Age Exchange Reminiscence Centre, 11 Blackheath Village, London, SE23 9LA.
Do not go to the Reminiscence Centre itself - The Old Bakehouse is at the back, in Bennett Park. Walk into Bennett Park and turn left into a yard. The Old Bakehouse is the building on your right. The entrance is straight ahead. By the way - there is an urn and cups - have we a volunteer who could make tea/coffee for members?
.... OR PLEASE CONTACT MARY MILLS, 24 HUMBER ROAD, SE3 7LR. 020 8858 9482
And...... DON'T FORGET TO ASK US FOR A MEMBERSHIP FORM
.... David Riddle, Goldsmiths College
Space courtesy of Goldsmiths College, University of London