Airedale Foundry
From Graces Guide
of Hunslet, Leeds
The Airedale foundry principally made railway locomotives; from its inception until the end of the 19th century, it made almost 6000 engines for the home market and for export to 28 other countries. Also diversified into stationary engines for agricultural machinery, and steam engines for tramways.
1835 James Kitson established business at the Airedale Foundry with Charles Todd as a partner.
1839 Foundry built by James Kitson
The companies operating at the foundry were, successively:
- Todd, Kitson and Laird (1837-1839)
- Laird and Kitson (1839-1842)
- Kitson, Thompson and Hewitson (1842-1858)
- Kitson and Hewitson (1858-1863)
- Kitson and Co (1863-1945)
- J. and H. McLaren (1945-1949)
1858 The Monk Bridge Iron Co was amalgamated with the Airedale Foundry.
1938 Ceased production but supplied parts
1945 Remaining business and works sold to J. and H. McLaren
1959 Works finally closed
See Also
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Sources of Information
- Biography of James Kitson, first Baron Airedale, ODNB