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Miscellaneous documents

Reference: D/X 1540 Catalogue Title: Miscellaneous documents Area: Catalogue Category: Other Records Description: Ottovale Coke Works, Blaydon Burn

Covering Dates: c.1910-1920s

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Catalogue Description

Records given:

26 June 2006 Acc: 3257(D)

Catalogue Contents

Ottovale Coke Works, Blaydon Burn (Ref: D/X 1540/1-7)

These records were preserved by Edward James Wheatley of 15 Grange Road, Ryton-on-Tyne, who was employed as a ram driver at the Ottovale Coke Works, Blaydon Burn, in the 1920s and 1930s.

The works, consisting of 40 Otto-Hilgenstoch waste heat ovens commenced production in around June 1904. Forty more ovens were added in January 1906 and the number of ovens had risen to 90 by 30 June 1910. The original 40 ovens were rebuilt in 1930, the second 40 in 1934, with the remaining 10 being rebuilt in 1935.

The plant was the last waste heat plant in use in Durham and, until it closed, used men to push charging tubs on the top of the ovens. It closed in September 1958.

The works were owned by The Priestman Collieries Ltd. until January 1947 and thereafter by the National Coal Board. An associated benzole refinery was situated to the south-west of the works.

Development of Patent and By-Product Coke Ovens in Co. Durham, 1882 - 1992 D.C.R.O. Library Pamphlets B13/8
A Historical Gazetteer and Bibliography of By-Product Coking Plants in the United Kingdom, David G. Edwards, D.C.R.O. Library C243


The Williams-Janney Hydraulic Variable Delivery Pump and Hydraulic Variable Speed Gear , illustrated manual describing the mechanism, workings and operation of The Williams-Janney Hydraulic Variable Speed Gear, produced by The Variable Speed Gear, Limited, Broadway Court, Westminster, London, 1921
(1 booklet, printed)


Photograph showing workmen engaged in construction works at Ottovale Coke Works, Blaydon Burn, n.d. [ c.1910 - 1920]
(1 photograph, 25 cm. x 20 cm., black and white, card mounted)


Photograph showing exterior view of Ottovale Coke Works, Blaydon Burn, including the chimney, n.d. [ c.1910 - 1920]
(1 photograph, 25 cm. x 20 cm., black and white, card mounted)


Photograph showing the top of the Ottovale Coke Works, Blaydon Burn, including workmen, n.d. [ c.1919 - 1920]
(1 photograph, 25 cm. x 20 cm., black and white, card mounted)


Photograph showing the coal hopper and chimney at Ottovale Coke Works, Blaydon Burn, n.d. [ c.1910 - 1920]
(1 photograph, 24.5 cm. x 20 cm., black and white, card mounted)


Photograph showing ram operating machinery, in a cabin at Ottovale Coke Works, Blaydon Burn, n.d. [ c.1920s]
(1 photograph, 52 cm. x 43.5 cm., black and white, card mounted)


Photograph showing two workmen, one driving ram operating machinery, in a cabin at Ottovale Coke Works, Blaydon Burn, n.d. [1920s]
(1 photograph, 51 cm. x 43.5 cm., black and white, card mounted)