“Built in 1895. Beckton Pier No. 2 stands as a testament to a bygone era. It was a time when industry boomed along the River Thames. This pier was specifically designed for handling coke and pitch. These materials were crucial to the gas-making process at the nearby Beckton Gas Works.
Beckton Gas Works was the largest gasworks in Europe. It employed 4,500 local people at its peak. The gasworks supplied 4.5 million customers. Beckton Pier No. 2 played a vital role in this operation. It facilitated the efficient transport of essential resources.
Imagine the scene. Ships laden with coke and pitch would arrive at Beckton Pier No. 2. Workers would unload the cargo. It would then be transported to the gasworks. This pier was a hub of activity. It ensured the smooth running of the gas production process.
The Gas Light and Coke Company opened Beckton Gas Works in 1870. The works were named after Simon Adams Beck. He was the company’s governor. Beckton was strategically located. It allowed for easy delivery of coal from North East England. The company even had its own fleet of steam colliers. They also had a railway into the site.
Beckton Gas Works continued to expand. Eventually, 14 retort houses were built. These retort houses were essential for gas production. In 1890, a carburetted water gas plant was introduced. Batteries of coke ovens were built in 1931. Beckton Pier No. 2 remained a crucial part of the operation. It supported the ever-increasing demand for gas.
During the Second World War, Beckton suffered serious bombing. Three gas holders and the mains were badly damaged. The works closed for a fortnight. Over 200 identified bombs were dropped on the works later in the war. Yet, Beckton Pier No. 2 likely continued to function. It supported the war effort in whatever way it could.
After the war, the gasworks underwent a major reconstruction project. New technologies were introduced. In 1959, the first pipeline supplies of petroleum began. A pipeline was built to storage tanks at Shell Haven and Coryton.
With the advent of North Sea Gas, the works closed in the early 1970s. The coal carbonisation plant closed in 1969. The last trainload left the associated chemical works that same year. Beckton Pier No. 2 likely fell into disuse around this time.
Today, little remains of the original Beckton Gas Works. However, Beckton Pier No. 2 serves as a reminder of its industrial past. It reminds us of the vital role it played. It ensured that Londoners had gas for their homes and businesses.
The area around Beckton has been redeveloped. It is now home to a business park and shopping centers. The Docklands Light Railway runs through part of the old industrial railway route. Yet, the memory of Beckton Pier No. 2 and the gasworks lives on. It is a testament to the ingenuity and industry of a bygone era. Beckton Pier No. 2 stands as a silent witness to a time when gas powered London.”