Manufactured Gas Industry

Works for the manufacture of town gas from coal were once widespread and their distinctive gas holders are some of the most recognisable historic industrial structures. Visually they dominated the skylines of many villages, towns and cities. They provided energy for industry and in the home light, heating, and energy for cooking.

Technologically gas works reached their peak in the early 20th century. In the 1960s manufactured gas was displaced by natural gas. Most gas works were closed and cleared at this time, although many holders were retained for gas storage. More recently changes in methods for storing gas have made the remaining holders redundant.

Historic England’s research into gas works

Historic England recognises the important role these works fulfilled in providing the country’s energy needs and their wider cultural impacts as familiar backdrops to many people’s lives.

We commissioned a report into the history of the manufactured gas industry.

To build on the gazetteer in the research report format, we have also produced a map-based version.

We published an 'Introduction to Heritage Assets' guide on gasworks and gasholders.

Investigating and recording historic gas industry sites

To complement this work, especially of those gas works and gas holders facing redevelopment Historic England has prepared guidelines for their evaluation and recording. These guidelines are designed to inform an understanding of their significance, whilst ensuring adequate records (both above and below ground) are made where evidence is likely to be damaged or destroyed.

It will be helpful for the national gas networks, local planning authorities (including archaeological and historic building conservation officers), historic environment consultants and contractors involved in the redevelopment of historic gas sites.

Gas Holders: a History in Pictures

Historic England’s latest industrial heritage publication, produced in partnership with Liverpool University Press and National Grid, is ‘Gas Holders – a History in Pictures’ .

Using a combination of archive and contemporary photographs, engineering drawings, prints, paintings, adverts and diagrams, it looks at the history and evolution of gas holders, engineers and manufacturers, their place in society and impact on the English landscape. The final chapter considers the future redevelopment of these sites, including those where gas holders are being successfully re-purposed.