Gasholder No 2, former Bromley-by-Bow gasworks

Gasholder, built circa 1871-1872 to the design of engineers Joseph Clark and Thomas Kirkham for the Imperial Gas Light and Coke Company, constructed by Westwood and Wrights. The structure is composed of cast-iron columns and composite wrought and cast-iron girders forming the guide frame. Each girder features a decorative cast-iron web positioned between two wrought-iron angles at the top and bottom. The gasholder stands approximately 23 metres high and 62 metres in diameter. The circular guide frame is built with two tiers of 28 cast-iron columns connected by horizontal cast and wrought-iron girders, classified as Type 14 in Tucker’s typology of gasholders. The lower columns are secured to substantial moulded cast-iron pedestals. These pedestals feature fielded panels and oval plaques bearing inscriptions identifying MESSRS CLARK & KIRKHAM/ ENGINEERS, WESTWOOD & WRIGHTS/ CONTRACTORS, the date of construction, and an eagle motif representing the Imperial Gas Light and Coke Company. The lower columns are cast in the style of Roman Doric columns, complete with moulded bases and capitals. Each column is topped with a junction box resembling an entablature, featuring a Doric frieze with triglyphs beneath a cornice. This cornice is a detachable casting that conceals the structural connection between the columns. The lower girders are embellished with intricate filigree ironwork. The upper tier of columns is designed in a simplified Corinthian order, each topped with a plain frieze. The columns’ proportions follow the classical canon, transitioning from heavier Doric bases to lighter Corinthian capitals. The upper girders are adorned with an interlocking circle motif. Guide rails are fixed to the inside edge of each column, supporting the wrought-iron roller carriages that guided the telescopic bell of the gasholder as it raised and lowered with gas levels. According to Section 1 (5A) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, the bell and tank themselves are not considered to possess special architectural or historic interest. However, any proposed works that could potentially impact the character of the listed gasholder may still require Listed Building Consent, a decision to be made by the local planning authority.