Consider a time when gasworks brought light and warmth to homes across England. Today we stand before No 1 Gasholder. It is an iconic structure with a fascinating story.
No 1 Gasholder stands proudly next to the world-famous Oval cricket ground in Kennington, London. For over 130 years, it has been a backdrop to test cricket matches. It is now a Grade II listed building, protected for future generations.
Designed by Sir Corbet Woodall, construction on No 1 Gasholder began in 1853. Originally, the site was occupied by the Southwark & Vauxhall Waterworks Company. They had built reservoirs here in 1807. The Phoenix Gas Light and Coke Company bought the site in 1845. They adapted the reservoirs for gasholder tanks.
In 1877, the Phoenix Gas Light and Coke Company replaced the original gasholder. The new design could hold 3 million cubic feet of gas. This made it the largest gasholder in the world at that time. Frank Livesey enlarged it again in 1891-92 for the South Metropolitan Gas Company. He modified the guides to increase their height by 50%. Two more lifts were added, including a “flying lift”. This doubled the capacity to 6 million cubic feet.
No 1 Gasholder is an early example of using wrought iron in a frame. The cylindrical wrought iron guide frame stands about 135 feet high. It has 24 t-section lattice standards. These rise in three tiers and connect by three rows of horizontal lattice girders. The rising “bell” has four tiers, including the top “flying lift”. When full, it would have topped 180 feet.
The gasholders have long been an intrinsic part of The Oval. The largest gas holder is only ten years younger than the cricket ground. During England cricket matches, advertising banners hang from the gas holders.
In 1999, plans were announced to dismantle all of the United Kingdom’s gasholders. Improvements in gas storage had made them largely redundant. However, No 1 Gasholder was saved. In March 2016, it was granted Grade II listed status.
No 1 Gasholder stands as a reminder of Victorian London’s reliance on gas power. It is an important part of London’s industrial heritage. It also provides a distinctive backdrop to the Oval cricket ground. Its image has been broadcast around the world.
As we conclude our visit to No 1 Gasholder, consider its journey. From its vital role in London’s gas supply to its iconic presence at The Oval, it is a testament to engineering and history. It is a landmark that will continue to inspire for years to come.