Description and History of Site:-
Stanningley Ironworks/Engineering Works. Founded 1828 by Butler family. Developed an early specialization in the manufacture of cast iron bridges, and manufactured the original bridges on the Leeds and Selby Railway. There appears to be no above-ground survival of the original foundry, marked as the Old Foundry on the OS 1st edn 6 map, c. 1854. The standing structures are all post 1860. To R. Fitzgerald's knowledge, this is the only 19th century specialist bridge-building works which survives nationally. It was still functioning as an engineering works in 1993; some demolition has taken place (HMG 1993). ....................... In 2004 FAS undertook a measured survey buildings assessment and watching brief as a condition of planning permission for alteration to and demolition of part of the industrial structures and conversion of the site to residential use. Standing remains date back to the early 1850s and chart the shift in industrial bridge-building materials from cast iron to wrought iron, as well as the use of these materials as components in warehouse superstructures (FAS 2004).

c1820 Business founded by Joseph Butler (1797-1870)

1828 July: Joseph Butler (1797-1870) moved to Stanningley and, in partnership with two or three others, started in business in a small way as ironfounder - see Butler and Taylor.

After a few years, the firm added engineering and railway-plant manufacturing to their business; Joseph's son, John Butler acquired his practical knowledge there.

1838 the business was taken over by Mr. Joseph Butler alone (Joseph Butler and Co). With his son they started making iron bridges, the first for the Leeds and Selby Railway. They also made the ironwork for the roof of the station at York, and for numerous other large structures.

1851 became Messrs. Butler and Pitts.

1870 Joseph Pitts died.

Joseph's son John Butler took over the business and changed the name; also known as John Butler and Co

1880 Commenced building steam cranes

1884 at the time of John Butler's death the firm employed from 800 to 1,000 workmen.

1912 'A new bridge for the Great Central Railway Company over the canal at Long Sandall, Doncaster, was fitted yesterday. It has a span of 112 feet, and has been built by Messrs. Butler and Sons, Stanningley, Leeds. It takes the place of an old wrought iron bridge.'[1]. The bridge is presumably the one shown here, over the Don Navigation. There is another bridge over the adjacent River Don, shown here.

1930s Company closed

https://britainfromabove.org.uk/image/epw058387

Further Reading and References:-
https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=5106&resourceID=105
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/45cd508b-1bbd-47f5-90e5-13259c03f6a9
https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/John_Butler_Iron_Works

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Key Words :- iron works bridge manufacture

Viewing the Site :- Can be viewed from the public footpath and road

Address :- Town Street, Stanningley, Leeds, West Yorkshire
Grid Ref :- SE 22241 34605
Co-ordinates :- Lat 53.807267 , Long -1.663748
Local Authority :- Leeds Council
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - West Riding
Site Status :- Site demolished or no longer extant
Site Condition :- Site redeveloped to industrial / commercial use
Record Date :- 2 March 2022

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