tarboat's photos with the keyword: kelham island

The Brooklyn Works were constructed in the mid 19th century for the firm of Alfred Beckett, manufacturers of steel, saws and files. Alfred Beckett & Sons Ltd continued to manufacture at the Brooklyn Works until the mid-1960s using the 'Matchless' trademark. In 1967 Alfred Beckett & Sons was purchased by the Tempered Spring Company Ltd of Sheffield. The building stood empty for a period of time and was listed Grade II in November 1985 to protect it from demolition. In the 1990s the Sheffield-based firm of AXIS Architecture turned the disused works into residential apartments and offices for small businesses.

The fascination with steam is evident in this new generation of enthusiasts watching the River Don plate mill engine at Kelham Island Industrial Museum. This is the largest surviving steam engine in the UK, generating 12,000 horsepower, and was used to roll armour plate for warships at thicknesses up to 18 inches. Steam remained in use for these large rolling jobs for so long due to the speed that the engine could be reversed for another pass of the plate. The engine is still steamed and run daily at the museum and is recommended to anyone with an interest in heavy engineering.

Cranes at Kelham Island, Sheffield, where massive redevelopment is being undertaken to create flats and apartments in, or on the site of, the old metalworking premises.

Kelham Island.