Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > Gloucestershire > Ham
Nuclear Power Station construction 1950s JLP01_01_074_02
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Nuclear Power Station construction 1950s JLP01_01_074_02
BERKELEY POWER STATION, BERKELEY, HAM AND STONE, STROUD, GLOUCESTERSHIRE. A view looking north-west over Reactor No.1 during the construction of Berkeley Nuclear Power Station, showing the River Severn in the background.
Berkeley Nuclear Power Station was the first commercial nuclear power station in the United Kingdom and one of the first generation of nuclear reactors in Britain. It had two Magnox reactors and was one of four stations located close to the mouth of the River Severn and the Bristol Channel. Laing were the civil engineers for the project with work commencing on 7th January 1957. The nuclear power station came into service in 1962 but has since been decommissioned following its closure in 1989
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 23828696
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
1950s Construction Nuclear Power Station
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Bristol
> Bristol
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Gloucestershire
> Berkeley
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Gloucestershire
> Ham
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Gloucestershire
> Stone
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Gloucestershire
> Stroud
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Rivers
> Historic England
> Industry
> Engineering and Construction
> Building Power Stations
> Berkeley Power Station
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in history - the construction of the Berkeley Nuclear Power Station in the 1950s. The image showcases Reactor No. 1, one of two Magnox reactors that made up this pioneering power station, with the majestic River Severn providing a stunning backdrop. Berkeley Nuclear Power Station holds immense historical importance as it was not only the first commercial nuclear power station in the United Kingdom but also one of Britain's earliest nuclear reactors. Situated near Gloucestershire's Berkeley, Ham and Stone areas, it stood proudly alongside three other stations close to the mouth of the Bristol Channel. The project was undertaken by Laing, renowned civil engineers who commenced work on January 7th, 1957. After years of meticulous construction efforts and rigorous safety measures, Berkeley Nuclear Power Station finally began operating in 1962. However, following its closure in 1989, it has been decommissioned. This photograph is a testament to human ingenuity and technological advancements during an era when nuclear energy held great promise for powering our world. It serves as a reminder of how far we have come since those early days and prompts us to reflect on both the benefits and challenges associated with harnessing such formidable forces for mankind's progress. Photo credit: A© Historic England Archive
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
