Crampshaw Works
of Ashtead, Surrey
Some notes on the occupants of the site.
Firstly, a factory at the northern end of Crampshaw Lane, otherwise called Rectory Lane – 'Crampshaw Works'.
Cadett and Neall, manufacturers of Photographic Plates, operating out of Greville Works proceeded to build two new factories in West Hill, at the Leatherhead end of The Street, Crampshaw Works on the south side and Victoria Works on the north. Crampshaw Works had been built by 1892 south of West Hill along the Dorking Road, between Parker’s Lane and Rectory Lane.
The Second Edition OS Map notes that the premises were used for the production of photographic materials. By 1894 'Cadett Papers' were being advertised under the joint heading of Greville and Crampshaw Works.
A History of Ashtead, 1996, records on page 105 that the Crampshaw Works brass band made 'its first and very successful appearance' during April 1895.
On 9 June 1903 Cadett & Neall were taken over by Eastman Kodak Co for production to be taken to Harrow five years later. The building failed to sell at auction but was purchased by Sir Frederick Cunningham, formerly a civil administrator in India, during1913 for £2,000. It had been described in 1908 as comparable in size to the Victoria Works on three floors in landscaped grounds with access to Rectory Lane.
British Film Stock Co, and successors
Registered 15 May 1913 with later addresses 8 Water Lane Ludgate Hill City E.C. and Crampshaw Works, Ashtead, Surrey. This Company appeared in a 1914 Street Directory on the west side of Rectory Lane.
There was a devastating fire in 1917 at the British Film Stock Co. Ltd at Cadett & Neal's former factory 'in Crampshaw Lane'.It was reported to have been dealt with efficiently by Ashtead Fire brigade with help from the Epsom and Leatherheas Brigades.
The firm was wound up by voluntarily EGM resolution 12 Dec 1919 for formation of a new company, Brifco Ltd
Brifco, Crampshaw Works , Ashtead, carried on a business of artificial leather cloth manufacturers.
From 1926 they were succeeded by Brifex Co, lacquer producers, who made leathercloth for bus and car seats, bookbinding and passport covers.
Secondly, a manufactory towards the south of Grampshaw Lane used successively for the production of electric storage batteries, as a 'Motor Works', and a laundry.
For the 1887 Tithe Apportionment this site is mapped as Plot 202, at the junction of Chalk Lane footpath extension and Crampshaw Lane, owned and occupied by William Keat. Access is shown to a paddock behind what became known as Ashley, White's and & Felix Cottages.
During 1884, Messrs Allan and Adamson of 7 Bothwell Circus, Glasgow, had patented a gas-stove. Adamson Bros, Photographers, were active at 154 St Vincent Street, Glasgow.
Provisional patents registered 15 November 1895 included 21759, improvements in electic storage batteries or accumulators, by Thomas William Allan, with others, 65 Chancery Lane, London.
By 1896 [Andrew George Adamson t/a] Adamson Bros, Photo. Light Specialists and Electricians were in business at 18a Eldon Street, London E. C. At the same time Allan and Adamson Ltd (reg. 17 December 1896) were trading as Accumulator Manufacturers. Electric Light and Power Engineers, & Photo-Light Specialists from 88 & 90 Tabernacle Street. London E. C.
In 1897 it was announced 'Messrs. Adamson Bros., electricians and photo-light specialists, have amalgamated with another firm, and have removed from 18a, Eldon-street. All communications should now be addressed to Allan & Adamson, Limited, 88 & 90, Tabernacle-street, London, E.C.'
During 1899, to meet increasing demand for their 'Allan Accumulators', Messrs Allan & Adamson Ltd found it necessary to erect improved works where the manufacture of these storage batteries could be conducted on a large scale These larger premises were established on Crampshaw Lane, Ashtead, Surrey, to be called Phoenix Park or Works .
The 1900 edition of J. A. Berly's Universal Electrical Directory included T. W. Allan, AIEE (from 26/11/1896 of 9 Smith Street. Kennington Park, S. W.), electrician, of Allan & Adamson Ltd, manufacturers of 'Allan Accumulators'. The Company's Head Office was in Clun House, Surrey Street, Srand, London W. C. with Works at Ashtead.
The Model Engineer end Amateur Electrician. 1901
“The 'Allan' accumulator, made in a number of very convenient sizes, is suited for medical and Roentgen-ray work, electric fans, and in all cases where a portable storage battery is a necessity. Other batteries are supplied by Messrs. Allan & Adamson, Limited, Cramshaw Lane, Ashtead, Surrey, specially arranged for launch, tramcar and yacht lighting work.”
The Electrical Review on 14 February 1902 announced a new company, Peto and Radford and Allan Accumulator Manufacturing Co to which all the undertaking and assets of Allan & Adamson would be be transferred on voluntary liquidation. .
Subsequently cells were manufactured by the P. and R. Storage Battery Co., of Ashtead with electrodes of the pasted type , their support consisting of a double lattice grid.
By 1904, Greville Works, Ashtead, had been taken over by Peto and Radford for the manufacture of electrical accumulators which they had been doing in Crampshaw Lane. They also occupied Victoria Works and were known as P & R Storage Battery Co. After World War I they moved to Dagenham.
Company No. 82486, registered 7 November 1904 with a capital of £6,000 in £5 shares, to carry on 'the business of motor-car, vehicle, and cycle manufacturers, …' Its premises appear to have been established in Crampshaw Lane rather than off Grove Road, Ashtead, presently used by Oakhill Garage. Subsequently known as Ashtead Motor Works the factory continued to operate on Crampshaw Lane until 1908.
Sale of the FREEHOLD FACTORY, known as "THE ASHTEAD MOTOR WORKS," Crampshaw-lane, situate about one mile distant from Station on the LB. and S.C. and L. and S.W. Railways, and to the High Road from London Dorking, was conducted at the Spread Eagle Hotel, Epsom, by Mr. C. Osenton at 6.30 on Tuesday, June 8th. 1909.
A laundry in Crampshaw Lane came to be set up in Crampshaw Lane building by 1910 and was still operational during 1913.
Southern works on Crampshaw Lane/Crampshaw Garage
After departure of the laundry this building was used for storage and general domestic purposes although J W Neave, trading as Neaves Transport, ran a haulage business there called Crampshaw Garage in 1931. Now re-developed as a residence.
After departure of the British Film Stock Co. Ltd the building was used for storage and general domestic purposes although J. W. Neave, trading as Neaves Transport, ran a haulage business there called Crampshaw Garage in 1931. Now re-developed as a residence.