Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Iron foundry and later engineering works founded by John Hall in 1785. Initially the company specialised in heavy foundry-based engineering. Later on, the company developed a specialisation in refrigeration engineering and moved into the production of lorry engines and chassis, and then lifts. The fortunes of the company declined in the 1950's & 60's and the foundry was closed when the company concentrated wholly on the manufacture of small refrigeration units and air conditioning for commercial premises. Fragments of the works have been found during archaeological works.

Monument Types

• IRON FOUNDRY (Post Medieval - 1785 AD? to 1899 AD? (at some time))
• IRON WORKS (Post Medieval to Modern - 1785 AD? to 1928 AD? (at some time))
• ENGINEERING WORKS (Modern - 1928 AD? to 1969 AD? (between))

Full description

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Iron foundry and later engineering works founded by John Hall in 1785 developing out of a messuage and a tanyard. Initially the company specialised in heavy foundry-based engineering. Later on, the company developed a specialisation in refrigeration engineering. In the 20th century the company moved into the production of lorry engines and chassis, particularly the famous "Hallford" used for some buses until 1926, and then lifts. Halls lists were installed in a number of buildings and shops including Harrods and Selfridges.

In the 1950's and 60's the fortunes of the company, now Hall-Thermotank Ltd, declined. The foundry was closed and in 1968 the company concentrated wholly on the manufacture of small refrigeration units and air conditioning for commercial premises. In 1981 Hall-Thermotank became part of the APV group.

The company also provided social facilities for its staff. At the end of the First World War land was purchased at Darenth Road for a Social and Athletic Club and later the company also bought land for the construction of 120 houses at what was to be 'Hallford Village'; some of the houses were let to company employees. The bulk of the Hallford Estate was sold in 1933.

Archaeological evaluation work in 2003 uncovered evidence of a revetment for a reservoir dated to the 18th century from a single piece of pottery. Also brick and yard foundations from the Hall's works. A tanning pit, shown on a map of 1807 and the mid 19th century boiler shop have been identified.(1 - 2)

<1> Wessex Archaeology, 2001, Prospect Place Retail Park, Dartford, Archaeological Evaluation (Unpublished document). SKE12278.

<2> Wessex Archaeology, Prospect Place Retail Park, Dartford: Post-Excavation Assessment Report and Updated Project Design (Unpublished document). SKE12281.

Sources and further reading

Related thematic articles

• Industrial Kent (Thematic Essay)