SMR 1285 / NS 8553 7318
James Wilson took over the St Laurence Inn and then acted as the host. Around 1855 he played the lead in constructing a gas works in the grounds behind the inn which it served. John Spence, gas-fitter and brass-founder in Airdrie, acted as the engineer and fitter. The works was large enough to provide gas to the neighbouring houses and shops. When it and the inn were sold on in 1859 it was stated that
“Pipes have been laid into nearly the whole of the houses in the village and neighbourhood, and numerous buildings are being erected every year, thereby increasing demand for Gas” (Falkirk Herald 11 August 1859, 1).
It was 1885 before the gas was used for street lights.
There was no possibility of competition in this small village and the gas works continued to serve the community for almost a century. At the turn of the century there was talk about introducing electricity into the village but it was 1914 before the Parish Council was able to arrange a supply from the Bonnybridge Electric Power Company.
Street lighting, however, remained illuminated by gas. In 1931 the gas lamp standards in the streets were finally taken down and replaced with electric ones. The gas works kept going throughout the Second World War, providing valuable chemicals for the explosives industry. Once the war was over it closed. The site is now part of the landscaped area behind Thorndene Terrace.
Bibliography
- Glasgow Chronicle 21 March 1855, 3;
- … entertained Mr Wilson to a sumptuous dinner in his own house on the completion of a Gas Work that he has erected for his own convenience, and that of the town of Slamannan. The duties of chairman were ably discharged… health of John Spence, Esq, gas-fitter and brass-founder, Airdrie, as the engineer and fitter up of the Slamannan Gas Works. The toast being given amid great applause, Mr Spence replied, and in the course of a few excellent remarks gave a brief account of the circumstances led to the erection of the Slamannan Gas Works. Among the toasts…
- Falkirk Herald 11 August 1859, 1: To be sold
- All and whole that Area or Piece of GROUND, part of the LANDS of CASTLEHILL, containing three roods of Land or thereby, situated in the Village of Slamannan, sometime occupied and possessed by James Wilson, Innkeeper, now deceased, and now by his Representatives, commonly known as “St Laurence Inn;” together with the Exposer’s right and interest in the Gas Work erected upon said Piece of Ground, with the interior fittings, gasometer, retorts, 7 c; with whole machinery therewith connected – all as more particularly described in said Bond and Disposition in Security.
- The principal portion of the Buildings is a large two-storied tenement, recently and substantially built, with every accommodation for carrying on an extensive business to meet the wants of the rapidly increasing district.
- There are also a number of other Buildings and shops, including a large hall, dwelling houses, stabling, and office connected.
- The gas Work also is but recently erected, and Pipes have been laid into nearly the whole of the houses in the village and neighbourhood, and numerous buildings are being erected every year, thereby increasing demand for Gas…
- Falkirk Herald 19 July 1866:
- “Property in Slamannan for sale by private bargain. St Lawrence Inn, large hall, provision store, dwelling-houses, gas-work, and whole plant, together with vacant building ground, with good frontage to principal street. That tenement of houses, comprehending St Larence Inn, with large and commodious provision shop below the same, bottling store, washing house, cellars, and others. The inn has been long established, is well frequented, and known as the only one in the district. There is ample accommodation for stabling, with suitable coach-house at the back of the inn. The shop commands a large and thriving retail trade. The gas work, adjoining the above premises, supplies the village of Slamannan and district with gas. The population of Slamannan is yearly increasing. There is a large garden in connection with the property, and the dwelling-houses and shops are well let, while the feu-duty is moderate. Part of the price may be allowed to remain on the security of the property, and will be disposed of in whole or separately, to suit purchasers. Apply to the proprietor, John Dickson, St Lawrence Inn, Slamannan; or David Mitchell, banker, Airdrie; either of whom will receive offers up to 6th August next.”
- Glasgow Herald 27 July 1866, 3:
- St Lawrence Inn, Large Hall, Provision Store, Dwelling Houses, Gas Work, and While PLANT, together with Vacant BUILDING GROUND, with good frontage to principal street.
- That TENEMENT of HOUSES, comprehending St Lawrence Inn, with large and commodious Provision Shop below the same, Bottling Store, Washing House, Cellars, and others.
- The Inn has been long established, it is well frequented, and known as the only one in the district. There is ample accommodation for Stabling, with suitable Coach House at the back of the Inn. The Shop commands a large and thriving Retail Trade.
- The Gas Work adjoining the above Premises supplies the Village of Slamannan and District with Gas. The population of Slamannan is yearly increasing. There s a large Garden in connection with the Property, and the Dwelling Houses and Shops are well Let, while the Feu-duty is moderate…
- Apply to the Proprietor, John Dickson…
Falkirk Local History Society 