W. Eassie and Co
William Eassie and Co of High Orchard, Gloucester.
William Eassie, a Gloucester-based contractor with establishment near to Messrs Tredwells’ premises, supplied two pile drivers capable of driving twenty piles per day (subsequently patented) to assist with the groundwork for the launch ways of the SS Great Eastern; in total 960, 12 inch square piles had to be driven into the soft Thames foreshore to form a firm foundation for the two concrete and timber launch ways.[1]
William Eassie of the Railway Saw Mills, Gloucester, patented a frictional-action mechanical hammer. He had two in service at his works, one of 1 ton and the other 1/2 ton, capable of working at 100-150 strokes per minute.[2]
c.1875 The Gloucester Wagon Co took over the business of Eassie and Co. With a view to developing a fancy-wood type of building, the company formed the joinery/architectural department recruiting John Cundy to take charge.