Mid 19th century Gas Works, Oxford Road (EHER 40413)

Mid 19th century gas works formed in 1839. By January 1999 that the gasworks site had been covered by a newish housing estate

A mid 19th century gas works on Oxford Road. It was formed in 1839. There was a wharf in the town, and another (rail served) at Mistley, on the estuary of the Stour. There were no rail or water facilities at the gasworks. Iron apparatus for the gas works was supplied by W.C. Holmes and Co. of Huddersfield. (presumably around 1860-70) In 1859 William Pearsons was Manager (P.O. Directory) but by 1870 and 1878 the manager was Thomas Watts. John Sizer was Secretary in 1878; Sizer was an 'Accountant and Wine Merchant' in South Street. Thomas Watts was also a Stationer with a shop in the High Street. By 1884 Watts had become Secretary and well as Manager but by 1886 F.M. Mauldon was Secretary and Manager. It was reconstructed om 1899 (for unknown reasons). By 1900 F.M. Mauldon was Secretary and Julian Frederick Sissen was Manager according to Kelly but GWD and S gives John W. Brooke as Manager and Secretary. Manningtree and Mistley Gas Company Ltd. By 1929-37 Bertram Young was Secretary and General Manager with an office in the High Street and T. Freeman was Engineer and Works Manager. The 1937 make was 13.m from 1,122 tons of coal. Horizontal retorts. In 1948 the annual make was 20m. T. Freeman was Engineer and Manager, E. Greenwood was Secretary. y/e 31/3/1957 Production at Manningtree ceased. The final plant capacity was 120,000cf/day, all coal gas. The branch main to Manningtree was laid at the same time as a major connection between the Colchester and Ipswich grids. 1958/59 Work began on a 50,000 Wiggins dry gasholder. <1> It was noted in January 1999 that the gasworks site had been covered by a newish housing estate, as had vacant land belonging to the Gas Company east and south of the works. A footpath which once ran along the northern boundary of the gas works is named "Gasfield". <1>.