Britannia Iron Works

The Britannia Iron Works would have undoubtedly been a major employer for those in Bournmoor and area, employing up to 700 men in its heyday. Today, very few people even know it ever existed. It stood in Colliery Row, or "High Dubmires" according to the 1862 map below. The Iron Works was founded here c. 1854 by Mr George Hopper, of Houghton-le-Spring and named The Britannia Iron Works. It was also known locally as the Chilton Moor Iron Works as it was located close to Chilton Moor district. When it was first built, it was a huge and impressive building with dimensions of 184ft. x 67ft. according to a contemporary newspaper article, with two rows of internal iron pillars supporting the roof. No pictures of it are known to exist but a drawing does exist of its interior and it is reproduced on the "1856 Dinner" sub-page of this website.

Above: 1862 map, the Britannia Iron Works is at bottom-right.

According to the 1851 census of Houghton-le-Spring, George Hopper was 52 years of age and an "iron manufacturer, employing 120 men." Long before the factory at Fence Houses was built, Mr Hopper had established a successful iron works in Sunderland Street, Houghton-le-Spring. This works can be seen in the centre of the map below. This factory has been researched in detail by the Houghton Heritage Society and a link to their website can be found on the 'Site Links' page.

Above: 1862 map of Houghton-le-Spring, George Hopper's Iron Works at centre.

By 1852, Mr Hopper's already-established business was expanding. It already produced large numbers of chaldron wagons that were used to carry coal and in later years they branched out into locomotive manufacturing, albeit in a small way. An example of this contemporary expansion was reported thus:

Newcastle Guardian and Tyne Mercury, 02 September, 1852

Mr G. Hopper, of Houghton-le-Spring Iron Works has obtained a patent for improvements in pins for railway chains.

As well as expanding the business, his Houghton facility faced certain 'logistical challenges' - namely in transporting its end-products to its customers. The normal method of onward-transportation at that time was by rail. The closest station to the Houghton factory was at Fence Houses, a considerable distance away. By establishing a works at Colliery Row, George Hopper greatly reduced the problem of transporting his finished-goods from factory to railway, the station at Fence Houses being only half a mile distant from Colliery Row and also - importantly - downhill from the works. Construction of the new works was certainly complete by March 1856. We know this, because the building was used as the venue of a "Monster Party" - as it was described by the contemporary press - for over 3,000 people, all of whom were the workmen - and guests - of the Marchioness of Londonderry. See sub-page "1856 Dinner" for a detailed report of this event.

Above: a recruitment notice, Newcastle Guardian & Tyne Mercury, 03 February, 1855

The Commissioners of Patents' Journal, 31 March, 1854:

By 1856, advancements had been made by George Hopper on the design and manufacture of railway sleeper spikes:

Durham County Advertiser 08 February 1856

Improvement in railway spikes

Mr George Hopper, of Houghton-le-Spring and Britannia Iron Works, near Fence Houses, has patented an improvement in railway spikes for fastening the chair to the sleeper. The spikes are twisted spirally so that they revolve when driven into the sleeper and hold the chair to the seat with all the firmness of a screw. The round part under the head is tapered conically so as to fit with accuracy the hole in the chair, by which means any side vibration of the rails is effectually prevented. Mr Hopper has already made nearly 1000 tons of spikes and has recently taken out another patent for an improved form of “swaging rolls,” to facilitate their manufacture. While the cost of ordinary wooden trenails is £4 per 1000, the cost of the improved spike varies according to the price of iron, from 70s to 110s per 1000; but, as they may be guaranteed for 20 to 30 years, they may be considered much cheaper in the end.

In 1856, the Houghton-le-Spring works had won the contract to manufacture the tongue for the famous bell, Big Ben:

Newcastle Journal 08 November 1856

A tongue for “Big Ben” bell.

The County of Durham may fairly claim the parentage of “Big Ben,” for Mr George Hopper, of Houghton-le-Spring Ironworks is now engaged in supplying this famous bell with a tongue. This fine specimen of wrought iron is now lying at Mr Hopper’s new ironworks at Fence Houses where workmen are employed in fitting and finishing it prior to its being dispatched to the palace at Westminster. The part of the clapper which strikes the bell is composed of a monster spheroid of solid wrought iron, the diameter of which is 24 inches. It is expected that the whole when finished will weigh about 1,600 lbs.

It may be deduced from the above article that Hopper's two factories each played unique parts in the manufacturing process; the tongue, having been forged at the Houghton works was 'finished off' at Fence Houses before its removal to the local Fence Houses Station and onward transportation to London.

In 1857, George Hopper was awarded the contract for supplying the iron work necessary for the alterations which were to be carried out to the bridge over the River Wear at Sunderland:

Newcastle Journal 19 December 1857

Sunderland Bridge

The iron work required for piles and temporary constructions in connection with the alterations of the above bridge is being proceeded with at the Houghton-le-Spring and Britannia Iron Works, near Fence Houses, by Mr George Hopper. A large quantity of pile shoes, bolts, nuts and other materials will be required in the course of this important undertaking.

By early 1859, Hopper had won a significant contract to supply iron work for the rapidly-expanding railway system in India. Large orders were received by the works which had expanded again, to include a new rolling mill. In metalworking, rolling is a metal-forming process in which highly-heated metal stock is passed through one or more pairs of rollers to reduce the thickness and to make the thickness uniform. In addition to the "patent for improvements in pins for railway chains" previously mentioned, further evidence of successful product research and development taking place at the Hopper Works is evidenced from the following newspaper article which proves that Hopper was very successful in attracting orders for the Indian market - much to the annoyance of his competitors - for his new 'twisted railway spike.'

Newcastle Journal, 9 April 1859

New Rolling Mill. A new rolling mill for the manufacture of bar iron, &c., on an extensive scale, started during this week at Mr Geo. Hopper’s Britannia Iron Works, Fence Houses. These works are likely this year to be fully employed, as large orders have been received for railway material for India. Nearly the whole of the Indian lines, including the East Indian, Calcutta and South-Eastern and Great Southern Railway of India, are being fastened with the conical nicked twisted railway spike, which Mr Hopper manufactures by his patent machinery in such large quantities. Nearly two millions, or about a thousand tons, of these fastenings are now in process of being made at the above works. The Staffordshire houses are complaining loudly about the enormous orders for rails for India, having been all contracted for in this district and it seems as if every branch of railway material were likely to be supplied in the north.

Newcastle Journal, 13 August 1859

Railway Materials for India. The directors of the East India Railway, at their board meeting, last week, gave directions for a further four hundred tons of railway fastenings – nearly a million in number – to be proceeded with by Mr George Hopper, Britannia Works, Fence Houses. This is in addition to the very large contracts at present in course of execution at the above works for our colonial empire. Enormous orders have been given out for India during the last few months and they have been undertaken, almost without exception, by firms in the north. The Derwent Iron Company, Messrs Bolckow and Vaughan, Mr Hopper and the Darlington Iron Company have obtained the largest contracts so far. According to the Board of Trade Returns, the supply of iron for railway purposes constitutes at present by far the most prosperous branch of the iron trade; and it is a subject for congratulation, therefore, that the North of England is obtaining just now its share, or what other districts may regard as more than its share, of this most important branch of commerce.

Newcastle Journal, 08 October 1859

Contracts for Iron Rails. The directors of the South Eastern Railway gave orders last week for four thousand tons of rails with a proportionate quantity of fish plates, spikes, &c. It is a fact indicative of the growing importance of this district in the production of railway material, that these contracts were undertaken by firms in the County of Durham. The contractors were the Derwent Iron Company, Consett and Mr Geo. Hopper, Britannia Works, Fence Houses.

Newcastle Journal 01 February 1861

Railway materials for India. We observe it noticed in the Engineer that Mr George Hopper, of the Britannia Iron Works, Fence Houses, has recently entered into engagements to supply the East India Railway Company with two thousand five hundred tons of railway spikes for fastening the chair to the sleeper – the largest order for this description of fastening that has ever been given out. Nothing, observes the Engineer, could more clearly show the enormously increased demand on the resources of our manufactures, consequent on the extension of our railway system. Although such spikes weigh only about one pound each, every spike goes through the hands of upwards of forty men and boys in the course of its production from the pig; and the whole of these various processes of manufacture are conducted at the above works.

By 1866, it seems that the sons of George Hopper had joined him in the enterprise. George Hopper would have been 67 years of age so preparing his sons to succeed him in his business would have been the logical course of action. The considerable success of the iron works sites, largely due to the supply of iron products to the Indian market and domestic coal markets meant that they would form a Limited Company, to be called "North-Eastern Iron and Waggon Company." Whether this company was ever actually formed is questionable, as the works was still subsequently known as the Britannia Iron Works.

Newcastle Courant 04 May 1866

It is stated that Messrs Geo. Hopper & Sons, of the Britannia Iron Works, near Houghton-le-Spring, are going to form their works into a limited liability company. The sum to be paid for the works is £80,000 of which the Messrs Hopper take £20,000 in shares. The nominal capital is to be £200,000 but only half of this amount is to be called up. The new company is to be named the “North-Eastern Iron and Waggon Company.” The provisional committee consist chiefly of Manchester men.

As well as being a major employer in the district, it should be remembered that not everyone was dependent on the iron works for work and indeed, it caused real problems for some. This is shown in the following article, where local farmer Robert Fatherley recovered damages from George Hopper for damage to his crops from smoke and pollution from the works.

Newcastle Journal, 04 May 1866

Action by a farmer to recover damages. The smoke nuisance. At the Durham County Court yesterday, before Henry Stapylton Esq., judge, the cause Fatherley v. Hopper was heard. The plaintiff, Robert Fatherley, is a farmer residing at Colliery Row and the defendant is George Hopper, owner of the Britannia Ironworks, Fence Houses, near Houghton-le-Spring. The plaintiff sought to recover the sum of £12 7s for damage sustained by his crops in consequence of the smoke from defendant’s works. The defendant had admitted his liability by paying £8 15s into Court and the only question at issue was as to the amount of the damages. The plaintiff stated that during the last eleven years his crops had been damaged from the above cause. Mr Robt. Jackson, auctioneer, Durham, said the amount claimed for damages was reasonable; and a Mr Johnson was of the same opinion. Mr John Hopper, the manager of the works, stated in his evidence for the defendant, that in previous years 4,717 tons of iron were made at the works and the damage claimed was £15 13s 6d, whereas this year the quantity of iron made was only 1,921 tons, yet the damage claimed was £12 7s and that sum he considered excessive. Mr Tindale and Mr Dodds were called as witnesses for the defendant, to show that plaintiff’s claim was excessive and that the amount paid into Court was ample. His honour gave judgement in favour of the plaintiff for £2 5s, over and above the sum paid into Court, making the damages £11 in all.

Never one to shy away from new developments, George Hopper's iron works branched out into the manufacture of iron railway sleepers to replace the use of wooden sleepers in various under- and above-ground railway systems. Just how successful - or not - this application was, is not clear.

Newcastle Journal, 04 May 1866

Novel Application of Wrought Iron.

We are informed that a novel application of iron as a substitute for wood is being introduced into this district which, if successful – as there is every possibility that it will be – is likely to consume large quantities of our North of England iron. Our English manufacturers are accustomed to complain keenly of the competition of their Belgian confreres but we are indebted for an invention which is likely to benefit our iron trade in no small degree, to a Belgian manufacturer, who has worked it on the Continent for some years past with the utmost success. Any one at all conversant with colliery management is aware that whole shiploads of timber are consumed in supply sleepers for the various underground and aboveground railways in connection with coal pits. By the invention referred to, it is proposed to have, instead of a wooden sleeper with cast iron chair, a sleeper and chairs in one piece of wrought iron, made in a trough-shaped section. It has been found, from an experience of some years in the French, Belgian and German collieries, that this wrought iron sleeper, from its superior endurance, is much cheaper than the wooden sleeper in the long-run. The mathematical accuracy and rigidity of the wrought iron way prevents the very great wear and tear and destruction of property which often result from chairs being loose or broken, or from the easy fracture of the ordinary wooden sleeper. In the Continental coal fields, thousands of tons of these iron sleepers are now in use. It is not too much to anticipate, therefore, that our enormously extended coal trade will entail a ten fold demand for them in England, Scotland and Wale for surely nothing is deserving of greater encouragement, in an iron-producing country, than any intervention which has for its object the economical substitution of iron for wood. We are informed that Messrs George Hopper and Son, of the Britannia Ironworks, near Fence Houses, who have obtained from the patentee the exclusive right of manufacturing these sleepers in the United Kingdom, have already received trial orders for them from nearly every principal colliery in the great northern coalfield.

In mid-1869 it was reported that the works had now entered the locomotive construction market with their first in-house manufactured locomotive, appropriately called Britannia. The customer was the Pelaw Main and Jarrow Railway which, at that time, was under construction.

Newcastle Journal, 23 June 1869

Trial of a new locomotive.

Messrs George Hopper and Son have entered into a new branch of manufacture – that of locomotives – at the Britannia Ironworks, near Fence Houses; and there was witnessed on Monday the trial trip of the tank locomotive turned out by the firm. The novelty of inaugurating so important a branch of manufacture drew together, on the occasion, a number of engineers from the neighbouring district, among whom were Mr J.C. Tone, contractor of the Pelaw Main and Jarrow Railway, with his principal manager, Mr Cordner; Mr W. Anderson, engineer for Earl Vane’s collieries; Mr Dawson, engineer for the collieries at Pensher, &c., of Mr George Elliott M.P.; Mr John Dunn, Brancepth Colliery; Mr Mitford, North-Eastern Railway, Darlington; Mr Dodds, North Eastern Railway, Tyne Dock, &c., &c. The locomotive was a beautiful specimen of the tank variety, strongly built and well-finished in every respect. The marvellous accuracy with which these beautiful specimens of the mechanic’s art are produced may be inferred from the fact that, this engine, when first the steam was turned on, moved with as much ease and perfection as if it had been accustomed to its work for many months before. After the powers of the locomotive had been sufficiently tested – not the slightest hitch of any sort occurring – the whole of the gentlemen present testified their high gratification at the result of the trial, expressing at the same time their earnest hope that the Messrs Hopper might be equally successful in the further orders they have on hand for the same class of engines. These locomotives are especially designed in weight, power, compactness and the adaptability of their working parts for railway contractors, colliery purposes, ironworks and branch lines generally. In working trim, they weigh, on an average, eighteen tons. The cylinders are twelve inches in diameter by ten inches stroke; the wheel base being six feet four inches and the capacity of the tank about five hundred gallons. The first product of the Messrs Hopper’s works in the shape of a locomotive has been named the “Britannia” and has been purchased, we understand, by Mr Tone for use on the Pelaw Main and Jarrow Railway, now in course of construction.

In July 1869, at a meeting in Middlesbrough of members of the Iron Trade, Messrs George Hopper and Sons showed 'a specimen of of a wrought iron wheel for ironstone wagons':

Newcastle Journal 07 July 1869

Quarterly meeting of the North of England Iron Trade.

Middlesbrough, Tuesday.

There was a good attendance at the quarterly meeting of the iron and associated trades here today, representatives of the iron trade from Barrow and the Midland districts being present. Specimens of new machinery and other objects of interest were exhibited; amongst which was a model of Hodgson’s Patent Wire Rope Tramway, supplied by the agents, Messrs Robinson and Ianson, engineers, Darlington. The model was in full work, demonstrating the action of the new invention and was inspected with considerable interest. Amongst other matters exhibited was Archer’s new Patent Stone Breaker, manufactured by the Dunston Engine Works, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Messrs George Hopper and Sons, Fence Houses, showed a specimen of a wrought iron wheel for ironstone waggons; a new kind of railway sleepers, &c. Mr W. Asquith, of Halifax, exhibited a lathe on improved principles; Messrs David Joy and Co., Cleveland Ironworks, Middlesbrough, showed the model of a new power hammer which was put in motion during the day. As compared with last quarter, the position of the pig iron trade is not so good, prices being lower, and the demand for certain districts being less; there is consequently less encouraging symptoms for the coming quarter, although makers express confidence that an improved state of things will result before a very long period. Forge pigs were, however, more inquired for. Business at present is done at the following rates: No. 1, 48s; No. 3, 44s 6d to 45s; No. 4, 43s 6d nett cash. During the quarter, the position of the manufactured iron trade has become much more assured and prices have advanced. Manufacturers reported a recent accession of orders for the rail department for future delivery. Bar and shipbuilding iron in good demand.

Above and below: waggonwheels made at George Hopper's Ironworks

In 1869, George Hopper entered into partnership with Mr James Radcliffe of the Consett Iron Works. As a result of this partnership, Mr Radcliffe left the Consett Iron Works and a presentation was held in his honour:

Newcastle Journal 24 September 1869

Presentation

On Saturday evening last, a few of the agents and workmen of the Consett Iron Works waited upon Mr James Radcliffe, at his residence, Consett Hall, to present him with a substantial mark of the regard and respect in which he has been held during the long period of his connection with the Consett Iron Works – a connection extending over a period of 34 years and which has just terminated, Mr Radcliffe having entered into partnership with Messrs S. Hopper and Son, Britannia Iron Works, Fence Houses, Durham. The testimonial, which consisted of a very handsome silver tea and coffee service, also tray, the latter bearing an appropriate inscription with a well-filled purse and also a diamond ring for Mrs Radcliffe was presented in suitable terms by Mr Priestman, the managing director of the Works with whom Mr Radcliffe has been closely connected during the last eleven years.

As a result of this new partnership, the company became known as 'Messrs Hopper, Radcliffe & Co., Britannia Iron Works'. Mr Edwin Harrison left the Consett Iron Works and joined his former colleague, Mr James Radcliffe, at the Britannia Iron Works in the role of Chief Clerk:

Newcastle Journal 23 March 1870

Presentation

On Saturday evening last, the agents and clerks in the employ of the Consett Iron Company met at the house of Miss Harrison, Consett, when Mr Ridley, cashier, on behalf of the subscribers, presented Mr Edwin Harrison with a handsome lever watch, albert guard and appendages, on his leaving Consett to fill the onerous duties of chief clerk to Messrs Hopper, Radcliffe and Co., Britannia Iron Works, Fence Houses. The watch and chain were from the establishment of Messrs Lister and Co., Newcastle.

On 1 June, 1870, another locomotive made at the Fence Houses works, named Merrybent, was used at the opening ceremony of the Merrybent and Darlington Railway. Abridged article:

Northern Echo, Thursday, June 02, 1870

Opening of the Merrybent and Darlington Railway

......The opening of the Merrybent and Darlington Railway yesterday...The arrangements made for the opening ceremony were liberal and considerate. Perhaps the best tribute we can pay to the managers is a recognition of the success which attended their efforts. Some little disappointment resulted when the opening, which had been fixed for the 1^st of May, could not possibly take place. Therefore, not unnaturally as the world goes, doubts were entertained, up to the last moment, whether or not yesterday’s ceremony would actually follow. Like the Derby, it came off- unlike the Derby, it was not a disappointment. A train – drawn by an engine specially constructed for the company by Messrs Hopper and Radcliffe, of Leeds, was arranged to start from the Darlington Station at eleven o’clock; and upwards of two hundred ladies and gentlemen availed themselves of the invitation given by the directors. A few minutes before the train started, a shower of rain came down, but ultimately cleared away in time to leave a fair course and no favour to the witnesses of the Merrybent and Darlington opening. The line of the route from the station lay along the Darlington and Barnard Castle line for about two miles, where a junction is effected with the new line proper. Shortly after this approach, the beautiful bridge across the Tees, constructed by Messrs Hopkins, Gilkes and Co., was crossed. Here, many of the passengers got out for the purpose of examining the bridge, clambering down the slope as best they might and returning in the same way…

The Northern Echo, on the following day, issued the following correction to the above article:

Northern Echo, Thursday, June 03, 1870

Opening of the Merrybent and Darlington Railway.

In our notice of the proceedings in connection with the opening of the Merrybent and Darlington Railway, published yesterday, the locomotive which drew the train conveying the visitors along the line was erroneously stated to have been constructed by Messrs Hopper and Radcliffe, of Leeds. It should have been Messrs Hopper and Radcliffe of Fence Houses. The name of Mr H.K. Spark, the chairman of the company, who presided at the luncheon, was also inadvertently omitted from the list of those present.

Hopper's Fence Houses works continued to recruit workmen, specifically as waggon makers:

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Monday, May 19, 1873; Issue 10953

Waggon Makers Wanted.

Constant and good piece-work prices. Hopper, Radcliffe & Co., Fencehouses, Durham.

On 27th February, 1874 a major boiler explosion occurred at the Iron Works resulting in five fatalities. A full account of this episode and the subsequent Coroner's inquest is given on the sub-page '1874 Boiler Explosion.'

The Hopper/Radcliffe partnership lasted until May 1875 when it was announced in the London Gazette that it was "amicably dissolved":

Northern Echo, 28 May, 1875

Northern Echo, 03 May 1876

For sale, bricks.

Two hundred thousand machine-made , kiln-burnt, good hard bricks. Apply to J.G. Bulmer, Britannia Ironworks, Fence Houses.

Northern Echo, 27 June 1876

Wanted, good wagon makers, accustomed to repairs as well as new work. Apply at Britannia Ironworks, Fence Houses.

Just a month after the above advertisement for workmen appeared in the Northern Echo, the works were offered for sale:

The Iron and Coal Trades Review, 17 July, 1876:

By October 1877, as was the case with many other ironworks throughout Britain, it was confirmed that the works at Fence Houses were in trouble due to a serious downturn in the market for iron, as reported in the Iron and Coal Trades Review:

Sheffield Independent 29 October 1881

Sale by Mr Thos. Bowman.

Dismantling of the rolling mills at Britannia Iron Works, Fence Houses, County Durham.

Mr Thomas Bowman, Auctioneer, of Darlington, will sell by public auction, on Thursday and Friday, November 3^rd and 4^th, the whole of the plant, comprising engines, boilers, rail mill, forge train, steam hammers, rolls, &c. together with a large quantity of scrap iron and metal and a variety of valuable material. Sale to commence at 11.30 a.m. each day. Catalogues and full particulars may be obtained of the Auctioneer, Darlington; Mr R. Graham, Fence Houses; Mr J.G. Bulmer, Darlington.

Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette, 16 March 1882

Houghton-le-Spring Police Court. Yesterday. Theft from Iron Works. John Manghan, of Sunderland, was charged with stealing 68lbs of brass and a quantity of rope from the Britannia Iron Works, Fence Houses, belonging to Mr Robert Richards, of Sunderland. Mr A.T. Crow jun., prosecuted. The charge was made out and the prisoner was sent to prison for two months with hard labour.

Sheffield Independent 10 July 1883

Sale by Mr T. Bowman.

Dismantling.

Britannia Ironworks, Fence Houses, Near Durham.

Mr Thomas Bowman, Auctioneer, of Darlington, will sell by public auction on Wednesday and Thursday, July 18^th the whole of the valuable plant and fixtures in the Fitting Shop, Foundry, Smiths’ Shop, Wagon Shop, Sawmill and Brickwork; consisting of lathes, drilling, planing, boring, tenoning and wood-cutting machinery, engines, boilers, tanks, &c., &c. Sale to commence each day at 11.30 a.m. catalogues will be ready early in July and may be obtained of the Auctioneer; Mr R. Graham, Fence Houses; or Mr John Geo. Blumer, Darlington.

Northern Echo 20 February 1884

Britannia Ironworks, Fence Houses, to bricklayers, masons, plasterers, slaters, plumbers, painters, glaziers and joiners. Tenders wanted. Persons desirous of tendering for the labour of all or any of the above trades in conjunction with the conversion of these works into Miners’ Cottages are requested to forward their names to Mr J.G. Blumer, Darlington.

Schedules (under which the work will be let) will be forwarded to intending competitors. They must be properly filled in and returned to Mr J.G. Blumer, Darlington, not later than Tuesday, March 4^th.

The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted.

Francis Parr, Architect.

Darlington, February 18^th, 1884.