| Description | Coventry Corporation acquired its gas undertaking in 1884. The works were at Gas Street (aka Abbotts Lane), on a 4 ½ acre site, but it soon became evident that it would be unable to cope with the growing demand. In 1898, the 40 acre site at Foleshill was bought, and the Gas Act of 1898 gave the Corporation the powers to build a gas works there. The first section of the new plant was in operation in 1909. The Foleshill site lies next to Coventry and Nuneaton branch of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway, and Coventry Canal. Manufacture ceased at Gas Street in 1909, and the site was used as a central storing and distribution centre only. The head office at Gas Street was destroyed by war damage in 1940, along with most of the drawings and records. The undertaking was vested in the West Midlands Gas Board in 1949. Note: Abbotts Lane bordered by Abbotts Lane, Gas Street, Hill Street, and later, Ringway Hillcross. Foleshill bordered by Bedlam Lane, Rowley Green Lane, Judds Lane, train line and canal. |