Site of mid 19th century gas works, Victoria Road (EHER 40412)

Now destroyed. A mid 19th century gas works founded sometime before 1847 and destroyed in 1994.

A gas works in the High Street, not far from the quays on the estuary of the River Blackwater. Founded pre-1847. In 1859: 'Maldon Gaslight Company (Works, High Street) Mr. Stephen Clarke, Jun. Secretary; Mr Henry Clarke, Collector. Thomas Jordan, Fireman; Messrs Digby and Son, Solicitors'. 'It is lighted with Gas and is paved, and has an illuminated clock'. 'Stephen Clarke, Boot and Shoe Maker and Secretary to Maldon Gas Light Company, High Street. Thomas Jordan, Manager of Maldon Gas Works, High Street'. Kelly's Directory for 1870-1900 lists Henry Clarke as both Secretary and Collector (Digby and Evans, Solicitors), as does the P.O. Directory for 1867. Albert Ford was Manager in 1886. GWD and S for 1900 lists A.L. Clarke AMIME as Engineer with Henry Clarke as Secretary. The 'date of formation' is given as 1869. In 1924 the annual make was 25m from 1,800 tons of coal. The Manager and Engineer was A.C. Snell and the Secretary E.M. Baigent. In 1929 and 1937 Walter James Mulley was Manager and Secretary at 141, High Street. There were showrooms at 67 High Street by 1937. Control acquired by the British Gas Light Co. Ltd. and in 1935 a seven-year public lighting contract was won, thanks to the backing of the British Gas Light Co. In 1948, the annual make was 66m. S.F. Gardiner was the local Engineer and Manager; he was also in charge of Halstead and Earls Colne. <1> The site lay derelict for many years and was demolished in 1994. <2>