Introduction: Portslade's Industrial Heartbeat
The Gas Works audio Podcast
Portslade, a western suburb of Brighton and Hove, boasts a rich industrial and maritime history, deeply intertwined with its identity as a port-based settlement. Its origins stretch back to Roman times, with the area widely identified as the likely site of Novus Portus (the 'New Port') mentioned by the geographer Ptolemy. This enduring connection to maritime trade is reflected in the town's actual etymology—derived from the Old English port-hlad, meaning 'the way to the port' or 'the loading place.'
The area to the south, initially referred to as Copperas Gap, underwent significant development in the wake of a new harbour cut in 1760. This transformation led to the emergence of working-class housing, catering to dock workers and industries that flourished around the burgeoning port. The fabric of Portslade today reflects this past, characterised by a blend of urban coastal, industrial, and residential zones, punctuated by small-scale Victorian terraces alongside former industrial sites. The arrival of the railway in 1840 further catalysed rapid development along the coast, culminating in the southern part of Portslade being granted urban district status in 1898 and renamed Portslade-by-Sea.
The Genesis and Evolution of Portslade Gas Works (Brighton 'A')
The establishment of the Portslade Gas Works marked a pivotal moment in the region's energy history, driven by the escalating demand for gas in Brighton, Hove, and surrounding districts. Prior to Portslade, gas was supplied by two distinct entities: the Brighton Gas Light and Coke Company, founded in 1818 with works at Black Rock, and the Brighton & Hove General Gas Company, established in 1825 with operations west of St Andrew's Old Church in Hove. By the 1860s, it became evident that the Hove site had reached its expansion limits, necessitating the search for a new, larger location capable of meeting the burgeoning demand.
On December 1, 1865, the Brighton & Hove General Gas Company formally announced its ambitious plan to construct a new gas works on a seven-acre foreshore site in Aldrington, situated strategically south of the canal. This proposal, however, was not without contention. In February 1866, a Bill presented to Parliament ignited a significant land dispute. Colonel Carr Lloyd, Lord of Lancing Manor, asserted his claim to the proposed site, a claim vigorously contested by the Ingram trustees, the recognised landowners. Once this legal entanglement was resolved, construction proceeded swiftly. The esteemed Hove firm of J. Parsons & Sons, known for their premises in Church Road, took on the responsibility for building the Portslade Gas Works. The initial phase of the works, which cost £72,000, included essential structures such as a retort house, coal stores, an engine and meter house, a scrubber house, a boiler house, a purifying shed, offices, stores, and a residuals shed. Positioned advantageously between the canal and the sea, the Gas Works commenced operations around 1870, leveraging its location for efficient raw material delivery.
The Gas Works underwent continuous expansion to keep pace with the increasing demand for gas. In the 1870s, a 16-inch gas main sufficed for distribution, but by 1880, a larger 24-inch main was added, with another laid in 1925 to further bolster capacity. A significant consolidation occurred in 1885 when gas manufacturing at the Black Rock site ceased entirely, and all operations, including an exhauster and engines, were transferred to the Portslade facility. The growing scale of the works also necessitated expanded wharf space for the delivery of coal, a critical raw material. The original single timber wharf was augmented by a second, more robust concrete wharf built on a timber pitch-pine frame in 1889.9 The site's location facilitated the easy delivery of coal by ship, underscoring the strategic importance of its waterside position. Further extensions included the construction of a new number three section on the west side, built on shingle by 1890 and completed in 1895. In the same year, two Humphreys & Glasgow's water gas sets were erected, making the company one of the pioneering half-dozen in England to install such an advanced plant, each capable of producing 750,000 cubic feet of gas per day. By 1926, the Portslade Gas Works had grown to occupy an impressive 40 acres, solidifying its status as a major industrial complex. The strategic selection of the Aldrington foreshore site was not coincidental; its position between the canal and the sea provided optimal logistics for coal delivery, a vital component of gas production. The continuous investment in expanding wharves and deepening the canal further illustrates a proactive approach to optimising operations, which was fundamental to the gas works' long-term viability and its role as a central industrial asset for the region.
Operational milestones and the contributions of key figures marked the Gas Works' development. Its sheer scale necessitated a resident engineer, leading to the construction of Beach House at the eastern end of the company's property. Harry Pullen was the first occupant, followed by J.B. Paddon and C.H. Rutter. A notable anecdote highlights the property's unique placement on parish boundaries, with an east wing added in 1906, causing the boundary to pass directly through a bedroom, a source of amusement for the Chief Engineer. Even as late as 1935, small Cornish boilers remained in operation. Historical records pertaining to the Brighton, Hove and Worthing Gas Company, Portslade Works, including documents salvaged during its demolition in 1975, are meticulously preserved at the East Sussex and Brighton and Hove Record Office, offering invaluable insights into its operations.
The era of coal gas production eventually drew to a close. While North Sea gas began to be piped ashore in 1968, areas including Brighton, Hove, and Shoreham continued to rely on local gasworks for their supply. However, the inevitable transition arrived, and gas production at Portslade ceased on May 22, 1971. This closure aligned with the broader trend of gas works decommissioning in the 1970s. Today, the former gasworks site, now spanning 2 hectares, is primarily used for storage and still houses two redundant gasometers along with supporting gas infrastructure. Current redevelopment proposals for the site, put forth by St William (part of the Berkeley Group) for a mixed-use residential and commercial scheme, faced refusal by councillors in May 2024. Concerns cited included the scale of the scheme being out of keeping with the area, an inadequate provision of large housing units, and over-development leading to poor living conditions for future residents. An appeal against this refusal was announced in November 2024. This ongoing public and expert opposition stems from significant concerns regarding the sheer scale of the proposed development, potential site contamination, the lack of truly affordable housing, and the anticipated impact on local traffic. The closure of the gas works in 1971 did not signify the end of its influence; rather, it ushered in a new phase of challenges. The persistent concerns regarding "heavily contaminated" soil and the potential release of "dangerous toxins and carcinogens" during remediation highlight that the environmental footprint of such large-scale industrial operations can endure for decades, impacting public health and future land use. This underscores the complex and often contentious nature of brownfield regeneration, where the historical industrial practices continue to cast a long shadow over contemporary urban development and the well-being of the surrounding community.
A Community Forged by Gas: Employment and Daily Life
The following table provides a snapshot of weekly wages for various roles in the early years of the Portslade Gas Works:
Table 1: Sample Weekly Wages and Roles at Portslade Gas Works (1872-1873). Beyond these foundational roles, the Gas Works employed a diverse array of personnel reflecting the complexity of its operations. These included "Knockers Down," responsible for shovelling coal, and those engaged in "Head Stoking," which involved feeding coal into the furnaces. Specialised positions were also crucial, such as the Electrical Foreman (Frank Beadle in 1939), the Foreman of the Gas Works (Mr Burtenshaw, who served for over three decades), and the Gas Engineering Assistant (Bill Dawson, who dedicated 48 years to the industry). Other significant roles included Winch Driver (Fred Greed), Foreman Engineer (George Henry Mepham around 1900), and Mechanical Superintendent (Doug Mepham, who worked at the Gas Works for 51 years). The Gas Works also maintained its own Fire Brigade, comprising 21 men in the 1920s, many of whom were related, underscoring a strong internal community and a focus on safety. A team of chemists and laboratory technicians, including Gary Gardner, Bob Jones, Geoff Clubb, Tom Davey, Ray Goldsmith, Ian Pinn, Garth Caswell, Geoff Dominey, Margaret Dursley, Keith Holmyard, Ray Hopper, Arthur Hoare, Dick Childs, Bill Hubbard, and Mike Kelly, played vital roles in maintaining operational efficiency and quality control.
The workforce demographics at the Gas Works mirrored broader societal and economic shifts, particularly during times of national crisis. During the Great War, the Gas Works faced severe labour shortages as a staggering 90% to 100% of its military-age employees joined the armed forces. To compensate, the company was compelled to employ approximately 150 women and boys, alongside a few willing pensioners. These women undertook "tough and physical" work, including pushing bogey carts laden with coal from the dockside to the works, demonstrating their resilience and the critical necessity of their labour in sustaining operations. The marriage certificate of Fred Lucas, the Gas Works ferryman, proudly listed his bride's occupation as 'gas labourer,' a testament to this shift in workforce composition. However, the work was not without its hazards; Fred Hill recalled seeing these women, clad in bulky overalls, with their skin an "unhealthy yellow" due to sulphur fumes, a stark indicator of the harsh working conditions and the potential health implications of industrial exposure. Later in the war, the management appealed to the Government for German prisoners of war to assist with labouring tasks, specifically clearing large accumulations of clinker. Despite local opposition and fears of sabotage, a party of German prisoners arrived, lodged at Brooker Hall (now Hove Museum), and were marched daily under armed guard to the Gas Works, carefully kept away from the gas-making plant.9 The employment patterns at the Gas Works, from the skilled tradesmen to the wartime inclusion of women, boys, and prisoners of war, reflect larger historical trends and national responses to labour demands, demonstrating how this industrial site was deeply intertwined with the prevailing economic, social, and political developments of the era. The detail regarding the women's "unhealthy yellow" skin due to "sulphur fumes" is a poignant, though brief, indicator of the hazardous working conditions and the potential long-term health consequences for the workforce, a factor that often remains understated in purely economic assessments of employment.
The Gas Works reached its peak production capacity, generating around 65 million cubic feet of gas per day.9 Ernest Charles Moore began working at the Gas Works in November 1915 at the tender age of thirteen, earning 10 shillings a week for a 12-hour day, a detail that highlights the prevalence of child labour practices during that period.9 However, by 1971, production had significantly declined to 10 million cubic feet per day, leading to the cessation of gas production on May 22, 1971.9 The immediate and profound consequence of this closure was the redundancy of 400 men, marking a significant economic and social upheaval for Portslade as a major source of local employment vanished.9
The Lifeline: 'The Gassie' Ferry and its Role
The 'Gassie' ferry, a fleet of small, unassuming boats, served as an indispensable lifeline for the Portslade Gas Works and its surrounding community. Although the popular nickname "gassies" was actually attributed to the workers themselves, the boats became synonymous with this vital service. These unique vessels were not purchased off the shelf; they were custom-built in the carpenter's workshop located directly at the Portslade Gas Works. Their design was a testament to practical ingenuity, featuring a double-bowed construction specifically chosen for maximum stability in the "fierce squalls" that frequently beset the canal. This robust design proved remarkably effective, with historical records noting that "none of the boats ever foundered". Each boat was capable of transporting twenty passengers and was always equipped with two pairs of oars. The last boat commissioned for the Gas Works was a 22-ft clinker double-ender, meticulously constructed in 1956 by H. Baker and Bill Parkinson at a cost of £600.
The ferries provided the "most direct route" for staff, significantly reducing their commute time by circumventing a lengthy walk around the Aldrington Canal via Hove. In Edwardian times, the east route originated from the bank opposite the southern end of St Leonard's Road in Aldrington, Hove.3 By 1920, a new ferry boathouse, measuring 24 ft in length, 15 ft in width, and 6 ft 7 in height, was constructed 120 yards to the west in Portslade, opposite the southern end of Station Road. As land development progressed, particularly by the late 1950s, the Aldrington east ferry closed, and its service was replaced by a Portslade ferry crossing situated near the south end of Church Road, opposite Flexer Sacks in Wellington Road. By the 1970s, this Portslade ferry crossing was the sole remaining canal crossing, serving the Brighton 'A' and 'B' Power Stations in Southwick as the Portslade Gas Works approached its closure. The practical design of the ferry, directly influenced by the "fierce squalls" on the canal, illustrates a direct adaptation to the local environment. This human adaptation to the natural landscape, transformed by industrial infrastructure like the canal, allowed the community to effectively navigate and utilise their surroundings for both work and leisure.
The ferrymen who operated these boats were familiar and often beloved figures within the community. Frank Lucas served as the Gas Works ferryman during the 1930s and 1940s, known not only for his duties but also for his involvement in amateur theatricals, participation in the Gas Works Concert Party, and playing piano for the Gasco Rhythm Makers. Other notable ferrymen included Wallace Sharman, John Wadey (the Fishersgate ferryman and boat-builder credited with saving several children from drowning before his death in 1943), and Fred Harlott Fred Harlott, another Fishersgate ferryman, began his service after the First World War, ferrying workers to the Gas Works and Power Station, and also transporting passengers to the beach. He famously named his boats after his daughters and, in a heroic act in February 1931, lent his boat and recovered the body of a boy who had fallen into a deep pond. While Sheila Morris recalled a Mr Huggett as the ferryman when she collected her father's wages around 1937, this recollection was disputed by another account.
The 'Gassie' ferry was far more than a mere means of transport; it was a central artery of community life. In July 1913, during the Gas Works Annual Sports Day, the boats were made available "at the disposal of visitors," highlighting their role in community events. Children frequently used the ferries for various purposes: Charles Ernest Moore recounted one of his children taking his dinner across the canal to him by boat, wrapped in a red-spotted cloth. Sheila Morris also remembered using the ferry to collect her father's wages. Families regularly utilised the ferries to reach a "secluded and sandy beach" on the other side of the Gas Works for a nominal fare of one penny. This demonstrates the ferry's function in facilitating local leisure and family outings. A small building near the 1920 boathouse even served refreshments during the summer, further indicating the ferry's role as a community access point and social hub. Local residents, such as George Mower and Brian Langworthy, vividly recalled the bustling atmosphere of the harbour, observing coal-boats and even hiring rowboats, illustrating the vibrant activity that revolved around the canal and the Gas Works. The ferry's multifaceted use for work, leisure, and community events indicates that it fostered a strong sense of shared experience and facilitated social interaction, thereby contributing to a distinct local identity centred around the gas works and the canal.
The advent of increased car ownership in the 1960s and 1970s led to a significant decline in the use of the Portslade ferry, as power station workers increasingly opted for the longer car journey around the Aldrington Canal via Hove. By the 1970s, only one canal crossing remained, serving the power stations as the gas works neared their closure. The specific date of the ferry's final cessation is not explicitly provided, but its decline is clearly linked to changing transport habits and the closure of the primary industrial employer it served. The decline of the ferry due to modernisation and the eventual closure of the gas works illustrates how technological advancements and industrial shifts can render once-vital infrastructure obsolete.
Today, the legacy of the 'Gassie' ferry is commemorated by a public art feature known as 'The Portslade Gassie,' located at the east corner of Church Road and Wellington Road. This artwork, depicting a small rowing boat with a skeletal figure, along with an accompanying information board, serves as a poignant reminder of the "gassies" and their crucial role in transporting workers across the canal. Despite its historical significance, the artwork has faced challenges of neglect and vandalism, prompting concerted community efforts for its renovation.
This ongoing struggle highlights the community's desire to preserve this unique piece of local heritage, even as physical memorials face the challenges of a rapidly changing urban landscape.
Conclusion: Enduring Legacy of Portslade's Gas Works and the 'Gassie'
The history of the Portslade Gas Works, known as Brighton 'A', and its accompanying 'Gassie' ferry, profoundly shaped the industrial and social identity of the area. From its ambitious inception in the mid-19th century, the Gas Works transformed a quiet foreshore into a bustling industrial powerhouse, becoming the economic bedrock of Portslade-by-Sea. It provided stable, albeit often arduous, employment for hundreds of local residents, influencing the lives of generations through its diverse job roles and the necessity of adapting to changing labour demands, particularly during wartime. The 'Gassie' ferry, in turn, was far more than a simple means of transport; it was a daily ritual, a crucial community connector, and a powerful symbol of the unique working-class experience in Portslade. Its distinctive design, the dedicated ferrymen who operated it, and its use for both work and leisure firmly cemented its place in local memory.
The narrative of the Portslade Gas Works and the 'Gassie' ferry stands as a testament to Portslade's industrial past, reflecting broader national trends in energy production, urban development, and social change. The strategic selection of its site for efficient coal delivery, its growth into a major industrial complex, and its eventual decommissioning due to the advent of North Sea gas, all mirror the industrial evolution of Britain. This lifecycle—from inception to meet demand, its peak as a major employer, its decline with new energy sources, and its current status as a brownfield site awaiting redevelopment—illustrates a classic industrial pattern. Crucially, this cycle leaves a persistent social footprint: the jobs created, the community built around it, and the environmental contamination left behind. The ongoing debates surrounding the redevelopment of the former gasworks site, particularly concerning environmental contamination, health risks, and the provision of affordable housing, highlight the enduring legacy of industrial activity and the complex challenges inherent in urban regeneration. These contemporary issues are directly rooted in the historical decisions and operations of the Gas Works, demonstrating that industrial history is not merely a bygone era but actively shapes present-day challenges and debates.
Furthermore, the history of the Gas Works reveals a tension between economic progress and community well-being. While the Gas Works provided "decent wages" and employment, contributing to local prosperity, the "tough and physical" work, exposure to "sulphur fumes", and the current contamination concerns reveal the inherent health and quality of life burdens placed upon workers and the surrounding community. The current redevelopment debates further underscore this tension, with developers often prioritizing profit and high-density housing, while community groups raise legitimate concerns about potential "poor living conditions," "toxic chemicals," and the lack of essential amenities like "affordable housing" or "NHS services, schools". This suggests a recurring historical pattern where the pursuit of industrial or economic advancement can inadvertently create social and environmental burdens that disproportionately affect local residents, leading to ongoing community advocacy for balance and accountability. The continued presence of 'The Portslade Gassie' artwork, despite its condition, serves as a powerful, tangible link to this unique chapter of Portslade's history, reminding current residents of the ingenuity, resilience, and community spirit that defined the era of the gas works and its vital ferry. It underscores the importance of preserving and acknowledging the industrial heritage that profoundly shaped local identities.
Hear the article in audio
Works cited
18 Portslade-by-Sea neighbourhood - Brighton & Hove City Council, accessed on June 17, 2025, https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/sites/default/files/migrated/article/inline/downloads/conservation/UrbanStdy_Portslade_by_sea_final.pdf
Portslade - Wikipedia, accessed on June 17, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portslade
Ferry Boats, Portslade, accessed on June 17, 2025, http://portsladehistory.blogspot.com/2023/01/ferry-boats-portslade.html
The Portslade “Gassie” - through the looking glass, accessed on June 17, 2025, https://alicerosebell.wordpress.com/2013/01/01/the-portslade-gassie/
New Atlas Obscura Site: The Portslade Gassie - orbific weblog, accessed on June 17, 2025, https://orbific.com/new-atlas-obscura-site-the-portslade-gassie/
Community efforts to renovate Portslade artwork trashed by vandals - Brighton & Hove City Council, accessed on June 17, 2025, https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/news/2016/community-efforts-renovate-portslade-artwork-trashed-vandals
Shoreham circular - The Argus, accessed on June 17, 2025, https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/10159833.shoreham-circular/
Portslade 'Gassie' - Atlas Obscura, accessed on June 17, 2025, https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/portslade-gassie
Portslade Gas Works - Portslade in the Past, accessed on June 17, 2025, http://portsladehistory.blogspot.com/2015/12/portslade-gas-works.html
Southwick Ship Canal - Wikipedia, accessed on June 17, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwick_Ship_Canal
Records of the Brighton, Hove and Worthing Gas Company, Portslade Works, accessed on June 17, 2025, https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/8c69368f-2525-4570-973d-047fe7949a9b
VT Coughtrey - Brighton Hostel: Shoreham Gasworks, accessed on June 17, 2025, https://www.coughtrey.me.uk/bh9.php
Brighton Gasworks - Brighton & Hove City Council, accessed on June 17, 2025, https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/city-regeneration/major-developments/brighton-gasworks
AGHAST - Brighton Gasworks, accessed on June 17, 2025, https://www.brightongasworks.org/
Councillors had a duty to reflect public concern about gasworks plan, inquiry told - Brighton and Hove News, accessed on June 17, 2025, https://www.brightonandhovenews.org/2025/03/18/councillors-had-duty-to-reflect-public-concern-about-gasworks-plan-inquiry-told/
Revised gasworks plans fail to address toxic soil concerns, campaigners say - Brighton and Hove News, accessed on June 17, 2025, https://www.brightonandhovenews.org/2023/01/05/revised-gasworks-plans-fail-to-address-toxic-soil-concerns-campaigners-say/
Photo of Portslade By Sea, The Power Station c.1955 - Francis Frith, accessed on June 17, 2025, https://www.francisfrith.com/portslade-by-sea/portslade-by-sea-the-power-station-c1955_p728002
No comments:
Post a Comment