Workmen in a canteen during construction at Heathrow Airport, Heathrow, Greater London

Photograph taken 7 April 1970 © Copyright Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection ref: jlp01_08_083795

These workmen are from John Laing plc and were building a new hangar at Heathrow Airport. The men are having a meal and a break in the site canteen. John Laing plc wanted to build a 'family' ethos among their employees. They provided welfare facilities such as canteens and mobile catering vans, and organised outings and trips for the employees and their families. Before 2007 it was normal for people to smoke at work and in restaurants.

Location

Greater London Heathrow

Period

1970s (1970 - 1979)

Themes

This mill was originally known as Jumble Hole Mill. It was first mentioned in 1788. Between 1815 and 1826 it was owned by Christopher Rawden who owned several mills in the locality. On 11th August 1899 the mill was destroyed by fire. This photograph could have been taken after the fire. The mill was altered and extended during the 19th and 20th century. The 1947 Yorkshire textile Industry directory has an entry for Jumble Hole Mill:
'Cocker and Co (1929) Ltd. (bleaching, dyeing and finishing of blacks and colours; rayons; crepes; cashmeres; brocades; muslins)
Cockers closed in the 1950s, but the mill was later used for silk dyeing.

Workmen in a canteen during construction at Heathrow Airport, Heathrow, Greater London

Location

Period

Themes

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