26-38, 9-13 & 19-35 First Avenue (EHER 40606)

Late 19th century foundry workers' cottages

At the end of the 19th century Warner built on both sides of First Avenue. The odd numbered houses on the east side are of red brick with yellow dressings, while those on the west side (evens) are yellow brick with red dressings. All were originally roofed with slate but many now have new modern tiled roofs, while in many cases the original sash windows have been replaced and porches added. The Walton ‘Crescent’ Foundry was built in 1871/2 to produce a variety of machinery including wind pumps, portable boilers, steam engines and machinery for rubber plantations. At its peak Robert Warner and Co.’s engineering works provided the main employment in the town, having 300 staff. Robert, the owner, took an interest in his staff’s welfare and built a number of houses on various sites close to the foundry, which eventually closed in 1921. <1>