Description and History of Site:-
Last important power station built for slow-speed reciprocating steam engines. Supplied L.C.C. tramway network, opened 1906 with four generators, each rated at 3500 kW. Steel-framed building with brick curtain walls designed by W. E. Riley. Engines, by Musgrave & Sons of Bolton, were rare 'Manhattan' type, with one vertical and one horizontal cylinder. By 1922, last of original engines replaced by steam turbines. Boilers fired by coal brought to coaling jetty (still surviving) on Thames. Construction date, traditionally given on rainwater hoppers, varies from 1903 to 1908. Station converted to gas/oil turbines and currently (2019) used to backup emergency lighting on the Underground system.

Further Reading and References:-
Bracegirdle, Brian et al. 'The Archaeology of the Industrial Revolution'. Heinemann Educational Books Ltd, 1973

http://www.glias.org.uk/journals/7-a.pdf

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Key Words :- London Transport tramways

Address :- Old Woolwich Rd, London, Greater London, SE10
Grid Ref :- TQ 3891 7813
Co-ordinates :- Lat 51.485069 , Long -0.000796
Local Authority :- Greenwich London Borough Council
Pre 1974 County :- Greater London Council
Site Status :- Site extant - Protected status unknown
Site Condition :- Operational site, in use for original purpose
Site Dates :- 1906 -
Contributor :- GLIAS Database - 2 June 2018

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