The joys of research

 One of the joys of researching in a conventional library is the unexpected. Today in Leicester University Library I came across A History of North Thames Gas - Mr Therm for those of us of a certain age. The book, and company, go back to its formation in 1810, through the massive switch over from town to natural gas and on until British Gas privatisation.

There is more. The production of town gas from coal is echoed in the story of steel production and organic chemicals, with the capture and use of byproducts. 

Many of us will remember gas showrooms on the High Street with appliances manufactured in North Thames factories. The same was true of gas meters, with millions of pennies collected each week. 

North Thames was also an early user of ICL computers. The book was candid about the inefficiency of billing administration a lack of planning of the computer installation. A telling comment was the switch over to IBM in the late 80s. 

A review from a second year degree student

This review is by Coffee and Books and makes everything worthwhile.

I wanted to read How Britain Shaped the Manufacturing World by Philip Hamlyn Williams because I studied economic history last year and I liked the subject a lot. On top of that the author’s great grandfather exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851. That made the book too enticing to miss and I’m glad I didn’t because it’s great.

The book covers the period from 1850 to 1950, the last chapter being on the Festival of Britain of 1951. It’s a wonderfully circular structure, to start with the Great Exhibition and finish with the Festival of Britain. With wars, including both world wars, and disruption to supply chains, advances in technology, changes in manufacturing, this book had to cover a lot of information and it does it beautifully. It’s easy to read, explained clearly and engaging.

Many topics are covered, from steam power which was still in its infancy in the 1850s to the Mallard of the 1930s, covered developments in communication, the sewing machine, bicycles, cars and aeroplanes. He covers the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, which were interesting to read about. Germany had a leading role when it came to dyestuff, but the war changed that, of course.

This is a very good book, one I would recommend to anyone, without any doubt

A review from Lincoln, the city where so much manufacturing happened

 ‘Philip’s painstaking research leads to a fascinating read’

Thank you Rob White in the Lincoln Independent for a wonderfully affirming review of How Britain Shaped the Manufacturing World.

I am really pleased you found the book an easy read, notwithstanding the extensive research. Pleased, too, you liked the quotes I used for each chapter.

How Britain Shaped the Manufacturing World is on sale at Lindum Books in Bailgate, and from the publishers Pen & Sword.