TOTTENHAM AND DISTRICT GAS COMPANY 
By Terry Nunn

 

In the 1840s gas was in increasing demand for street lighting, domestic lighting and cooking leading to the creation of The Tottenham and Edmonton Gas Light & Coke Company on 21 December 1847. The company took over similar gas companies in the surrounding areas and after several changes of name became the Tottenham and District Gas Company.

When set up the company took over a small gasworks to the south of Angel Road which they were able to extend in 1902/5 and acquired others in the various takeovers. Production ceased in 1972 with the introduction of natural gas from the North Sea.

The company had showrooms and local offices in West Green Road, the building at the corner of Lordship Lane and High Road and Edmonton Broadway.

 Attached to each was a depot for the the gas fitters.


In 1930 the Tottenham District Gas Company bought the former Lordship Lodge, in Lordship Lane, Wood Green which they renamed Woodall House after its chairman, Sir Colbert Woodall. This became the company’s head office. (The building is now Wood Green Crown Court.)


WOODALL HOUSE - FORMERLY HOME & COLONIAL TRAINING SCHOOL


WOODALL HOUSE - NOW WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT BUILDING

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In 1948 the gas industry was nationalised when the Tottenham and District Gas company became part of the Eastern Area Gas Board.

As a large employer the company set up a staff club and sports ground in Willoughby Lane which is now the Frederick Knight Sports Ground.

 

Article edited by Alan Swain December 2020

Note: There is a wonderful booklet obtainable from the Edmonton Hundred Historical Society

titled ' When The Gasman Came To Call' by Reginald Chase