Those who can remember the computer manufacturers of the 1960s - when Britain was still a major player - will know that one of the most important of them was Elliott Brothers, based on the Lewisham/Greenwich borders.
A member has drawn our attention to an article - "Elliott Brothers to BAE Systems" by C T Bartlett which appeared in the Summer 2009 Newsletter of the History Technical and Professional Network of the Institution of Engineering and Technology. This can be found at http://www.theiet.org/.
Through many mergers Elliott Brothers via Marcom-Elliott Avionic Systems Ltd and then Marconi Avionics, became part of BAE Systems. C.T.Bartlett, worked for Marconi Avionics and when he retired set up a museum called Rochester Avionic Archives on the Rochester site of BAE Systems - http://rochesteravionicarchives.co.uk/ carries a different version of the Elliott article and a description of the collection. Unfortunately there is no information about how or even whether the public can visit.
The website says "Welcome to Rochester Avionic Archives - a large collection of avionic hardware items together with an archive of films, documents, videos,brochures and newspapers. The oldest item is a Slide Rule from 1894 but the majority of the items are of mid to late20th century origin. The emphasis is on equipment made or relevant to the Rochester site and the work of Elliott Bros, Marconi and BAE Systems The Rochester Avionic Archives (RAA), is located within BAE System Rochester, and aims to preserve a record of the products and generate pride in the people who helped create the company.
Up to 1998, a unique collection of equipment and documents was stored in the Flying School under the care of one of the previous Directors of the company. This collection included the 'Elliott Collection' which is a valuable archive relating to the work of Elliott Brothers in the 19th century. This collection has historic scientific instruments and documents but in addition there were some more modem items concerned with the avionics business of the Company and in particular at Rochester.
- So - what do we know about their work in South London?
Wednesday 30 September 2009
Thursday 24 September 2009
Lewisham claim Greenwich Penns tomorrow
Constant readers and members will know we have been pushing very hard to publicise the work down by Richard Hartree on the great Penn works in Blackheath Hill. And Richard has been to speak to us twice about it.
He is doing it again at Lewisham Local History Society - 'The Penns of Lewisham' 7.45 Methodist Church Hall, Albion Way, SE13.
He is doing it again at Lewisham Local History Society - 'The Penns of Lewisham' 7.45 Methodist Church Hall, Albion Way, SE13.
Tuesday 22 September 2009
Walk London - The Royal Arsenal to Greenwich
Members of the Greenwich Industrial History Society (and others) might be interested in a walk on Sunday, 27th September at 11am.
Ian Bull, a walk leader for 'Walk London' is hosting. Please meet outside Woolwich Arsenal station for a historical walk along the Thames Path from The Royal Arsenal to Greenwich. The walk is just over 7.5 miles long and has no set finish time although it is expected to last about four to five hours. Photographs to illustrate the route over the past 50 years or so will be on hand. These have been provided by The Greenwich Heritage Centre. A packed lunch may be advisable but a visit to the Thames Barrier's café en route is an option.
This cannot be an in depth investigation into local history but the weather forecast is excellent and the walk might make a pleasant if familiar stroll. The walk is free and there's no need to to pre-book. All are very welcome to contact Ian in advance for further information.
Unfortunately it will not be possible to have a close look at the Royal Arsenal's buildings due to an event on the site.
OBO Ian Bull
Tel: 020 7223 3572
eMail: ianbull@btinternet.com
The walk appears on Walk London's website at...
<http://www.walklondon.org.uk/our_events_forthcoming.asp>
Walk London is a partnership of all the London Boroughs. Financed by Transport for London it is led by The Corporation of the City of London.
Ian Bull, a walk leader for 'Walk London' is hosting. Please meet outside Woolwich Arsenal station for a historical walk along the Thames Path from The Royal Arsenal to Greenwich. The walk is just over 7.5 miles long and has no set finish time although it is expected to last about four to five hours. Photographs to illustrate the route over the past 50 years or so will be on hand. These have been provided by The Greenwich Heritage Centre. A packed lunch may be advisable but a visit to the Thames Barrier's café en route is an option.
This cannot be an in depth investigation into local history but the weather forecast is excellent and the walk might make a pleasant if familiar stroll. The walk is free and there's no need to to pre-book. All are very welcome to contact Ian in advance for further information.
Unfortunately it will not be possible to have a close look at the Royal Arsenal's buildings due to an event on the site.
OBO Ian Bull
Tel: 020 7223 3572
eMail: ianbull@btinternet.com
The walk appears on Walk London's website at...
<http://www.walklondon.org.uk/our_events_forthcoming.asp>
Walk London is a partnership of all the London Boroughs. Financed by Transport for London it is led by The Corporation of the City of London.
Keskerdh Kernow 500
We've been sent a copy of this wonderful book about Cornwall - a lot of it is about the March to Blackheath - isn't there a plaque up on the wall of Greenwich park? At the end of the March the marchers made the Blackheath Declaration - which was basically about Cornish rights (they wanted a Development Agency and stuff like that). Anyway its a great book with lots of interesting stuff in it - happy to lend it out but it would be important to get it back.
Now - why were we sent it? One of the most important people in the great history of Cornish industry, mining technology and engineering was Richard Trevithick. He pioneered much steam engine technology and designed one of the earliest Locomotives (there are great accounts of his first steaming through the streets of Cambourne). He has very tangible links with south east London, since he ended his days working for J.&E.Hall and is buried in Dartford.
One of the most important things which happened to his work on steam engine design - and something which can claim to be a milestone in steam engine technology - was the explosion of a boiler in one of his new high pressure engines in 1803. Where did this take place?? Why, on the Greenwich Peninsula just down near the river from the Pilot.
I wrote this up, to a somewhat cool reception, for the bi-centenary of this event - and I had also found the inquest report for one of the victims who died in St.Thomas's hospital. Anyway, two weeks ago I met a Cornish industrial historian and sent him a copy of my article. He has replied with multiple thanks - very very keen to know where it was that it happened and - as a thank you has sent this wonderful book.
So - who remembers the march?
Now - why were we sent it? One of the most important people in the great history of Cornish industry, mining technology and engineering was Richard Trevithick. He pioneered much steam engine technology and designed one of the earliest Locomotives (there are great accounts of his first steaming through the streets of Cambourne). He has very tangible links with south east London, since he ended his days working for J.&E.Hall and is buried in Dartford.
One of the most important things which happened to his work on steam engine design - and something which can claim to be a milestone in steam engine technology - was the explosion of a boiler in one of his new high pressure engines in 1803. Where did this take place?? Why, on the Greenwich Peninsula just down near the river from the Pilot.
I wrote this up, to a somewhat cool reception, for the bi-centenary of this event - and I had also found the inquest report for one of the victims who died in St.Thomas's hospital. Anyway, two weeks ago I met a Cornish industrial historian and sent him a copy of my article. He has replied with multiple thanks - very very keen to know where it was that it happened and - as a thank you has sent this wonderful book.
So - who remembers the march?
Saturday 19 September 2009
Stench pipes in Lambeth
According to the current SLAS newsletter Lambeth Council are to preserve two stench pipes in Norwood. I am not sure what and if we have any in Greenwich. Perhaps we should all look and see - such things are only too easily lost.
This is taken from the current edition of the excellent newsletter of the Southwark and Lambeth Archaeological Society. It also contains an article about the Greenwich Tide Mill recently discovered at Lovells Wharf. We would be happy to scan this and reproduce it here if SLAS wouldn't object.
SLAS meetings are held at 106 The Cut, 7.30 and future events include:
October 13th - Recent Excavations at Merton Priory
10th November - work on Syon House and its Brigintine Monastry
8th December - Music and Musicians in Southwark and Lambeth
9th February - The Elephant Entertains
They also note
5th October - Malcolm Tucker and Tim Smith speaking about Kings Cross Railway Goods Yard at the Rugby Tavern, Rugby Street, W1. 8.00 - both Tim and Malcolm have spoken to GIHS and this is an amazing subject. Highly recommended
This is taken from the current edition of the excellent newsletter of the Southwark and Lambeth Archaeological Society. It also contains an article about the Greenwich Tide Mill recently discovered at Lovells Wharf. We would be happy to scan this and reproduce it here if SLAS wouldn't object.
SLAS meetings are held at 106 The Cut, 7.30 and future events include:
October 13th - Recent Excavations at Merton Priory
10th November - work on Syon House and its Brigintine Monastry
8th December - Music and Musicians in Southwark and Lambeth
9th February - The Elephant Entertains
They also note
5th October - Malcolm Tucker and Tim Smith speaking about Kings Cross Railway Goods Yard at the Rugby Tavern, Rugby Street, W1. 8.00 - both Tim and Malcolm have spoken to GIHS and this is an amazing subject. Highly recommended
Friday 18 September 2009
First Master Founder
The new Woolwich Antiquarians Newsletter comes with news of the launch of a new book = "Andreas Schalch, First Master Founder of the Royal Brass Foundry, Woolwich.'. This is by {at and Tony Fawcett and can be obtained from them at 86 St.Mary Street, SE18 for $6.50 plus £2 post and packing.
It would be really good if someone would like to review it and submit to this blog.
The newsletter lists forthcoming Woolwich Antiquarian meetings - the next is on October 10th and features Jim Marriot in a Celebration of Woolwich Town Hall. 2.15 Charlton House.
It would be really good if someone would like to review it and submit to this blog.
The newsletter lists forthcoming Woolwich Antiquarian meetings - the next is on October 10th and features Jim Marriot in a Celebration of Woolwich Town Hall. 2.15 Charlton House.
Tuesday 15 September 2009
September in the Garden...
Fall is on the way; I love this time of year.... It's still getting hotter during the day than I would like, but I love the cool crisp mornings :) The garden is still going strong; looking great--check out the pics
The front yard; one of my sculptures by the pond :) 
Another one on the other side of the pond: check out the pomps on the pompass grass!
Kitty on the fence; on the only bare spot; the rest has been taken over by cucumber vines & tiny melon vines :)
The back veggie patch; only a few sunflowers left; I've been cutting the spent plants down to get more sunlight in: next year I wont let them get quite so carried away... 
Over on the wild side...
Purple morning glories have taken over the little sculpture :) And the roses that I thought I killed are finally coming back (not sure I'm happy about that)
Beans---I swear this is a magic beanstock :)
Beanstock flowers; sooo pretty :)
And the front garden patch: so much better than the lawn that used to be there....
My favorite sunflowers; I wish all of them were this color.....
Thats all for now; got more projects to work on :)
Amber
Friday 11 September 2009
members notice
the next meeting of Greenwich Industrial History Society is on Tuesday 15th at the Old Bakehouse, Bennet Park, as usual and will feature Mary Mills on The Hills of Greenwich - this is really about how Frank Hills became a 19th century multi-millionaire by a number of means - gas works, battleships, patents........
It seems very likely that the Syriol site (Tunnel Glucose, Tate and Lyle, Amylum, or whatever) is being cleared and that the silos are to be demolished. It would be good to think we could get in and have a look before it goes. If you think you could help email me back - and I will see if anything is possible.
Anyway - last week Barbara Ludlow, who has contributed so much to Greenwich history celebrated her 80th birthday - I'm happy to pass any good wishes on.
It seems very likely that the Syriol site (Tunnel Glucose, Tate and Lyle, Amylum, or whatever) is being cleared and that the silos are to be demolished. It would be good to think we could get in and have a look before it goes. If you think you could help email me back - and I will see if anything is possible.
Anyway - last week Barbara Ludlow, who has contributed so much to Greenwich history celebrated her 80th birthday - I'm happy to pass any good wishes on.
Sub Brit
Subterranea has arrived - the journal of Subterranea Brittanica.
Nothing local to us (again) but lots of interesting things. Plate Rails in the Godstone Quarries, Camden Town's Railway Heritage, Coombe Conduit House - and much more.,
Nothing local to us (again) but lots of interesting things. Plate Rails in the Godstone Quarries, Camden Town's Railway Heritage, Coombe Conduit House - and much more.,www.subbrit.org.uk
Open House at the Arsenal site
A press release from firepower - ROYAL ARSENAL PREPARES TO OPEN ITS DOORS
On Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, the Royal Arsenal's historic Old Royal Military Academy where history was both taught and made - a Grade II (star) listed building built 1716-20 - will be open free of charge as part of the London Open House Weekend. The building is attributed to Nicholas Hawksmoor and was commissioned by the Government’s Board of Ordnance. It was the birthplace of the Royal Artillery, and was one of the first military academies of Europe. The British army officer training system now based at Sandhurst, was first established here. The Academy took in the first cadets in 1721 then in 1805, they were moved into a converted workshop nearby, and the RMA Woolwich became known to generations of officers as "The Shop". The traditions begun and standards set here in the 18th Century are carried through to today as the core values of military education and standards in Britain and in many other countries. The building is now used by Firepower, The Royal Artillery Museum.
- and - what they don't say in this press release (which comes from Firepower and thus is only interested in the Royal Artillery) that it had a formative role in the Royal Engineers - and - perhaps more importantly was the place where many scientists undertook research. I have always felt that it is about time someone took seriously Woolwich's role in the scientific community of the 18th and 19th centuries - and the role of the Royal Military Academy in being one of the earliest institutions to provide a scientific education in this country.
I did edit that press release down a lot too!
On Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, the Royal Arsenal's historic Old Royal Military Academy where history was both taught and made - a Grade II (star) listed building built 1716-20 - will be open free of charge as part of the London Open House Weekend. The building is attributed to Nicholas Hawksmoor and was commissioned by the Government’s Board of Ordnance. It was the birthplace of the Royal Artillery, and was one of the first military academies of Europe. The British army officer training system now based at Sandhurst, was first established here. The Academy took in the first cadets in 1721 then in 1805, they were moved into a converted workshop nearby, and the RMA Woolwich became known to generations of officers as "The Shop". The traditions begun and standards set here in the 18th Century are carried through to today as the core values of military education and standards in Britain and in many other countries. The building is now used by Firepower, The Royal Artillery Museum.
- and - what they don't say in this press release (which comes from Firepower and thus is only interested in the Royal Artillery) that it had a formative role in the Royal Engineers - and - perhaps more importantly was the place where many scientists undertook research. I have always felt that it is about time someone took seriously Woolwich's role in the scientific community of the 18th and 19th centuries - and the role of the Royal Military Academy in being one of the earliest institutions to provide a scientific education in this country.
I did edit that press release down a lot too!
Brunel Museum
Richard Buchanan writes.......
I went to the Brunel Museum in Rotherhithe today, and was told that on the Open House Days they will be opening the shaft from which the Thames Tunnel was built. It now has a concrete floor above the running tracks of the railway, and a concrete roof supporting a garden, but the inside is as last used. A temporary stairway will be put in for the occasion.
Future plans depend on successful grant application; they envisage a gallery on the concrete floor and another at ground level in a superstructure similar to what Brunel had.
I went to the Brunel Museum in Rotherhithe today, and was told that on the Open House Days they will be opening the shaft from which the Thames Tunnel was built. It now has a concrete floor above the running tracks of the railway, and a concrete roof supporting a garden, but the inside is as last used. A temporary stairway will be put in for the occasion.
Future plans depend on successful grant application; they envisage a gallery on the concrete floor and another at ground level in a superstructure similar to what Brunel had.
Tuesday 8 September 2009
Lots of New Listings on Etsy
Just listed a whole bunch of jewelry on Etsy; whew! It takes forever; I wish Etsy would come up with a better way to upload photos; more than just one at time.... Anyway, some cute new stuffs; some is not new; just moved from the Gallery at Hyde Park. Sadly, the gallery has closed it's doors: too bad---I think it was a nice addition to the Hyde Park neighborhood.
Anyway, check it out here: Etsy:Refinerii
Oh; and Twitter followers--sorry about all the postings; every Etsy listing was tweeted; twitterfeed malfunction....grrrrr....
Amber
Anyway, check it out here: Etsy:Refinerii
Oh; and Twitter followers--sorry about all the postings; every Etsy listing was tweeted; twitterfeed malfunction....grrrrr....
Amber
Saturday 5 September 2009
Garden Surplus
This morning I plucked a bunch of veggies to take to the rescue mission here in Nampa; I have an excess of garden stuff right now, & I've already shared with the neighbors, so I thought I would take it somewhere to be put to good use.... Its a nice feeling to be able to share the harvest--I would highly recomend it :) Lots of gardeners plant an extra row or two of veggies for the hungry...if you have extra & live in Nampa, just drop it off at the Lighthouse Rescue Mission; they are happy to take it. Just drive around back & the kitchen staff will gladly help you unload. 
Friday 4 September 2009
On the Beach in CA....
This weeks adventure was a trip to LA via Salt Lake City....Kevin & I flew to Salt Lake to meet with Alysa's modeling agency; spent a day wandering about downtown, & then flew to LA early the next morning. From LAX, we took a shuttle van up the coast to Oxnard--it was a lovely drive through Venice Beach, Malibu, etc--I can see why everyone wants to be there! After a bite of breakfast, we found out that the car wouldnt be ready for hours, so we decided to take a walk about & see if we could find the beach... After walking for over an hour, we did finally arrive at a lovely sandy beach--it was foggy, but gorgeous :) After snapping a some pics, getting our feet wet, & laughing at the birds digging in the sand, Kevin got the call that the car was done (this was about 15 minutes after our arrival). So, we packed up & headed out. Yep; we walked for an hour and a half to spend 15 minutes on the beach; but it was the highlight of the trip...
After we picked up the car, we drove straight through to Boise; arriving yesterday at about 1 pm: it took about 16 hours; I'm still recovering... But, I got some nice pics of the beach :)
Wednesday 2 September 2009
Next GIHS meeting
The Hills of Greenwich - Mary Mills 15th September Old Bakehouse
This is not about the steeper bits of Greenwich but about the Hills family - and mainly Frank Clarke Hills who made a fortune out of gas works waste - and much else beside - ending up building battleships. It is also about his very numerous brothers and various others.
This is not about the steeper bits of Greenwich but about the Hills family - and mainly Frank Clarke Hills who made a fortune out of gas works waste - and much else beside - ending up building battleships. It is also about his very numerous brothers and various others.
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