What is it? (British architectural monument inside)

[Cristobal]

I've come across many of these big metallic structures in the suburbs of London and wonder what they are or what is their purpose.
Can somebody enlighten me?

 

[Uncle Bertie]

It's a Gasometer. Used to be used for storing coal gas. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_holder

 

[Cristobal]

Thank you! One mystery solved.
On the French Wikipedia page, it's said that they are parts of the usual landscape of British cities.

 

[UKRob]

Now that's brought back some memories - one of my Saturday enterprises was collecting coal and coke from the local gas works, for neighbours.

Does that really mean they went out of use after North Sea gas was introduced? I can't believe that's the case otherwise they would have been demolished or sold off years ago.

 

[Brianpilman]

This may help

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coal_gas

 

[Scuba Steve]

To my knowledge they are still in use, when they are full you will see the inner membrane, not just the skeletal structure.
I assume they are used as reservoirs for gas supplies and or maybe used to pressurise local gas supply pipework networks.

 

[SeanC]

To my knowledge they are still in use, when they are full you will see the inner membrane, not just the skeletal structure.
I assume they are used as reservoirs for gas supplies and or maybe used to pressurise local gas supply pipework networks.

Yes some are, although they are being phased out. Primarily used to regulate the pressure.

 

[pjgh]

Ha! We used to sit on those as kids when they'd rise up ... there were many points where the steps around the side would not line up and you'd have to jump silly distances. Puts the shudders through me as an adult.

 

[Fergiebilly]

Its Buckingham Palace....

Billy

 

[UKRob]

This is a true story that illustrates how times have changed - for the better?

The Gasworks was a couple of roads away from where I lived and was on quite a slope - so it was favourite for riding a scooter and roller scating down the hill. One day a few of us decided to mix things up a bit and tied a steel roller scater to one foot whilst having the other on a scooter. Things went swimmingly until I caught a bit of coak under my roller scate. Those were the days.

 

[factormax]

In Kings Cross, London, these are being converted to apartments!