The world's first gas works gains place in city's history (18/07/2007)
The world’s first gas works was awarded its place in history today (Wednesday) by Westminster Council.
A Green Plaque was unveiled by Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Robert Davis and Sir Denis Rooke at the original site of the commercial gas-works on Great Peter Street, SW1.
The works, founded by the London and Westminster Gas Light and Coke Company in 1812, revolutionised the city by supplying gas for the first time to customers throughout Westminster.
The building, now part of the Home Office, serviced an extensive network of gas mains stretching 26 miles by 1815. However, operations ceased at the site in 1875 when larger works opened in Beckton, East London as a result of the original works' proven success and an increasing demand for gas.
Such works paved the way for the commercial production and supply of gas on a global scale. Sir Denis Rooke, who attended the unveiling, understands more than most the importance of these works. Sir Denis has worked in the gas industry since 1949 and became Chairman of British Gas in 1976. His great technical achievement and lasting legacy was to build the UK’s gas distribution network and unite the gas industry, making domestic gas a cheap and convenient fuel source for millions of people.
Councillor Robert Davis, Deputy Lord Mayor of Westminster, said:
"Westminster has a prominent place in Britain's industrial heritage and it is important that we recognise important milestones such as the Gas Light and Coke works. Not only is the city home to the world's first commercial gas works but also the first gas street lamps."
Westminster Council marked two hundred years of lighting London's historic gas street lights in a special ceremony on Pall Mall last month.
A Green Plaque was unveiled to celebrate the two hundredth anniversary of the first gas lights being built in the capital in 1807.
Around 1,600 gas lights still remain in London at such famous landmarks as Buckingham Palace, St James' Palace, the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, The Mall, London Bridge and Covent Garden and have become part of London's history.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Sir Denis Rooke:
He acquired an awesome reputation as the 'lion of British Gas' in the 1980s, as the Conservative Government threatened to break up the British Gas Corporation during privatisation. His devoted employees saw him as the defender of 'his' Gas Company against the most determined of politicians.
Westminster’s Green Plaques:
The commemorative Green Plaques scheme complements a number of Council strategies: to improve the legibility and understanding of Westminster’s heritage and social history; to provide information for Westminster’s visitors; to provide imaginative and accessible educational tools to raise awareness and understanding of local areas, particularly for young people; to celebrate the richness and diversity of Westminster’s former residents.
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