Business History Explorer Supported by the Business Archives Council

Kirkstall Forge Co Ltd

Other Business Names:

  • Kirkstall Forge Engineering Ltd
  • Butler, Thomas

Locations city-town / local authority / county1974 / region-state / country:

  • Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, Yorkshire & the Humber, England

Sectors:

  • Fabricated metal products manufacture Fastener production
  • Fabricated metal products manufacture Hand inc edge tool production
  • Transport equipment production Horse drawn & hand pulled vehicle & components production
  • Fabricated metal products manufacture Metal forging, pressing, stamping, rolling, slitting, etc
  • Transport equipment production Motor vehicle engines & components production
  • Transport equipment production Railway locomotive, rolling stock & components production & repair
  • Fabricated metal products manufacture Structural metal products manufacture inc prefabricated buildings, bridges, gasholders, etc

Notes:

Traced origins to an iron forge established by monks in the 13th century and for long reckoned to be the oldest continuously operated industrial site in Britain. Subsequently owned by several families, in particular the Spencers, Watts and Cotton & Dicken, 1630-1756; the Crookes, 1756-79; and the Beecrofts and Butlers from 1779 until after 1945. 1907 incorporated as Kirstall Forge Co Ltd. Diversified from forging to manufacture of a wide range of iron products - tools, screws, cranes, wagons, boilers, structural products, etc. From 1841 railway axles and wheels became especially important. From late 19th century its major output was axles for horse drawn and, later, motor vehicles. 1949 reconstructed as a public company, Kirkstall Forge Engineering Ltd. Site closed 2003

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