History of Kilburn and West Hampstead

The Gas Works   In 1869 the Childs Hill Gas works was built off Cricklewood Lane at the Childs Hill end of the road. Over time, they provided gas to homes and businesses across an area from The Hyde Edgware to Golders Green, including Cricklewood and parts of Kilburn. The name of the gas works changed several times as they expanded their coverage. The proprietor, Henry Skoines, a gas engineer, advertised his improved and patented method of producing gas in 1873 which was in use in Tenby and his own Kilburn and Cricklewood Gas Co. Shares were issued for his Coal Economy Gas Co. in Nov 1873. In early 1876, the Midland Railway built their own gas works at Hendon to supply gas to their stations from Hendon to St Pancras. So Skoines lost his main contract. In May 1877 he sold the 10 miles of mains and meters for £3,750 (today worth about £380,000) to the very large Gas Light and Coke Co. which supplied gas to most of London.  Clarkes Patent Pyramid and Fairy Lamp At the same time C...