The pumphouse, photographed in 1978. This
was kept locked at the time, but access was allowed in later years.
Note the large circular hole in the extreme left concrete wall.
This is where the outlet pipe ran to the tanks.Additional information: Jeff Wilson and John Smailes.
The "Magnesite" plant at Harrington was set up during WWII by the Ministry of Aircraft Production to extract magnesium from seawater, for use in aircraft components and incendiary bombs. Built in less than twelve months by the Steetley Company on behalf of the Ministry of supply and managed by the British Periclose Company, It was a "hush-hush" project at the time, the new rail-head being signed "Harrington Ironworks" in a bid to fool the enemy. Prior to this date, the only supplier of magnesia was a plant in Hartlepool. The Harrington Shore plant was geared up to produce 40,000 tons per annum.
Train-loads of lime were brought into the plant from Flusco limeworks, near Penrith, to be used in the extraction process. The resulting solution was put into rail tankers and taken away to somewhere near Manchester for further treatment and conversion into metallic magnesium. The process caused a thick white dust to settle on everything downwind of the plant, which meant homes, gardens and streets in Harrington!
The plant, which was on the site of the former Harrington Ironworks, was eventually closed in 1953, following a brief revival during the Korean war. It was reckoned on closure that magnesium produced at Harrington cost 4/3d per pound (21p), but cost only 1/7d (9p) elsewhere. The site was gradually dismantled and "developed" into Harrington marina. Many of the nearby houses were demolished also. The only visible evidence left today is the modified harbour, which was partially blocked. The pumping station (pictured below) stood for many years half-way around the pier, and its sloping seaward roof was a favourite for sunbathers and graffiti "artists". It was demolished quite recently.
The pumphouse, photographed in 1978. This
was kept locked at the time, but access was allowed in later years.
Note the large circular hole in the extreme left concrete wall.
This is where the outlet pipe ran to the tanks.
Shown below is a magnificent photograph of the Magnesite works, kindly sent to me by Malcolm Huddart, an ex-Harringtonian. Close inspection reveals the St. helens colliery "pyramid" in the background.
The pump-house can be seen on the elbow of the nearly right-angled pier. Foreground left is a small engine shed for the Harrington Shore Works (as it was referred to) donkey-engine. Compare this image with the map section and left-hand sketch shown below.
The settling tanks and rail sidings can be clearly identified on
this 50 - year old map. The site has now changed beyond
all recognition.
The linkable images (below) are to a couple of fine sketches of the "Magnesite" plant by the artist Henry Rushbury, R.A., who toured the Steetley works to produce a company book. They were sent to me by John Smailes.
These beautiful sketches represent - to my mind - industrial art at its finest, and conjure up an evocativeness commensurate with any natural landscape scene.
A photo of the settling tanks, the size of which can be gauged
against the row of terraced houses in the foreground.
This was once a thriving industrial community. The only
house remaining now is the "Ship Inn", which
stands quite isolated at the back of the harbour.
PHOTO: Jeff Wilson.
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