A snapshot of Cambridge Riverside’s industrial history, one hundred years ago
The Cambridge Industrial Archaeology Society, in conjunction with the Cambridge Museum of Technology switched its last meeting of this season from a physical meeting to a free live webinar.
The webinar took place on 20th April 2020 but a recording is now available.
It features :
- A previously unpublished time-lapse photography sequence (from the National Gas Archive) of construction at Cambridge University & Town Gas Light Company during the 1920s
- Views of Abbey, Riverside and Chesterton as you have never seen them before!
The speaker, Dr Gordon Davies, presented glimpses of the industrial history of the Abbey and Riverside. A century ago, the landscape and skyline of Cambridge was redefined by major expansion at the Cambridge University & Town Gas-Light Company.
From the early 1900’s to late 1920’s, chief engineer J.W. Auchterlonie oversaw the redesign of the town’s gas works. His detailed plans and archive of time-lapse photography – supplemented by aerial photography – has ensured that this period of industrial expansion was meticulously captured for posterity, including:
- Construction of a new gas-holder and processing plants for the gas works
- A war memorial to commemorate the fallen of The Great War (World War I)
- Social and recreational facilities, including gardens, tennis courts, bowling green, quoits pitch and a rifle range!
You can view a recording of the webinar (with audience Q&A) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALNmv-JstHo&feature=youtu.be
Contact Gordon Davies for further information Tel: 01223 361598 Mobile: 07967 978854
See also: http://www.museumoftechnology.com/