In the days when gas was supplied locally – instead of from as far away as Russia – this complex dominated the Aireborough landscape.
The Yeadon and Guiseley Gas Company was formed in 1845 with a capital of £6,000 which was raised by public subscription as a share investment. The first chairman was Richard Barwick of Low Hall. By 1851 the gas works was supplying 386 customers in the area – initially factories, offices and large private homes.
The photograph, taken in 1956, comes from Aireborough Historical Society.
Archivist Carlo Harrison said: “In the foreground are two gasometers which were used to store gas, the large building was the retort house built in 1934. The front of the retort house faced New Road Side. To the left of the retort house is a cluster of houses on the Barcroft/Barfield estate. St John’s Church is on the right complete with tower, behind the church is Henshaw Lane.”
The gas works was shut down in the 1960s and later demolished.
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