Hendon Gas Holders

Sunderland Gas Light Company began in 1824.  Due to an increase in demand for gas, the company expanded and purchased the Hendon site in 1860 and built a new gasworks. The works was extended in 1877 enabling them to to double their gas making capacity. The old works were shut down and entirely re-constructed, with the exception of 2 gas holders, in 1908. On 1 May 1949 the Sunderland Gas Company ceased to exist and the property, rights, obligation and liabilities were vested in the Northern Gas Board. At the time the Hendon gasworks was the main gas producing station of the Sunderland division of the NGB and included the districts of Durham, Houghton-Le-Spring, Chester-Le-Street, Consett & Stanley. On nationalisation the undertaking vested in the NGB.