Description and History of Site:-
Formed 1829, the South Metropolitan became one of country's premier gas companies. Works, designed by George Holsworthy Palmer, in production by 1833. Thomas Livesey's appointment as chief clerk, 1839, was turning point; soon Old Kent Road was amongst most efficient in London. Major reconstruction 1880 included No 13 holder then world's largest. Site had expanded from 3 to 36 acres. Gas production ceased 1953 following expansion at East Greenwich (q.v.). Only four holders were on site. No.10 (1867), 11 (1872), and 12 (1875) were two-lift, and No.13 (1881) three-lift but with earlier reinforced concrete 53 ft deep tank.
Later known as the Peckham Gas Works then the South Eastern Gas Works. In 1891 had its own colour works and wharf on the Grand Surrey Canal. Only one gas holder (No.13) remains in 2024.
Sturt (1980): 'The inaugural works of the South Metropolitan Gas Company. The site was acquired in 1832, and production ceased in 1953. Four holders remain on site, only No. 13 can easily be seen from the road.
No. 10 2 lifts 1867
No. 11 2 lifts 1872
No. 12 2 lifts 1875
-This holder has a mass concrete tank. A third, flying lift was added c.1895, and remained in use till 1952.
No. 13 3 lifts 1881
-This holder has a concrete tank reinforced with iron bands, 53 feet deep.'
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Key Words :- gasworks gasholder
Address :- Old Kent Road, London, Greater London, SE15
Grid Ref :- TQ 348 778
Co-ordinates :- Lat 51.483097 , Long -0.060077
Local Authority :- Southwark London Borough Council
Pre 1974 County :- Greater London Council
Site Status :- Listed - Grade II
Historic England List No - 1446329,
Site Dates :- 1833 -
Contributor :- GLIAS Database - 2 June 2018
Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © GLIAS Database