Monument record 1160/253/5 - Modern Gasholder, Northampton Gasworks

Frame-guided gasholder built in 1900. Now demolished

{1} Building recording undertaken prior to demolition, including photographs. Gasholder No 1 is located to the north of the site, off Towcester Road and separated from the main gasworks site. The structure was added in the early 20th century, first appearing on the Ordnance Survey maps in 1925. The gasholder conforms to Type 45, following the typology ascribed by Tucker.

The gasholder represents a guide frame structure of three lifts, each of approximately 30ft in height. The frame is formed from 18 vertical ‘I’ section standards with three tiers of ‘I’ section girders. The vertical RSJs are marked with the cardinal points for orientation. Bracing is provided by diagonal channel section RSJs, joined by riveted centrally and to each corner by steel plates. These plates are also used to attach the bottom of the columns to a metal plate. This in turn is bolted to the brick superstructure of the tank which has a diameter of approximately 140ft. There are three lifts, channelled by internal guide rails affixed to the guide frame. Each lift represents a casing of riveted sheet steel with carriages in increasing size order to guide the lift up the rail. Around the top of each is a simple railing of three horizontal bars. When risen, access is provided via an inclined staircase to the second and third lifts.

<1> Jones, A., 2013, Northampton Gas Holders Report: Historic Building Recording, November 2013 (Report). SNN111046.

Record last edited

Apr 23 2025 6:44PM