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Reactor 1 biological shield JLP01_01_078_69
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Reactor 1 biological shield JLP01_01_078_69
BERKELEY POWER STATION, BERKELEY, HAM AND STONE, STROUD, GLOUCESTERSHIRE. Looking down at the east side of Reactor No.1 during the construction of Berkeley Nuclear Power Station, showing the biological shield and its discharge shaft with a Laing team working above.
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 23828639
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
1950s Construction Nuclear Power Station
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in the history of nuclear power. The image showcases Reactor 1's biological shield at Berkeley Nuclear Power Station during its construction in the 1950s. Looking down from above, we are granted a unique perspective of the east side of Reactor No. 1, with its imposing structure and discharge shaft. 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 the pioneering reactors in Britain's nuclear industry. With two Magnox reactors, it stood proudly among four stations near the mouth of the River Severn and Bristol Channel. The presence of Laing's dedicated team working diligently above adds a human touch to this industrial marvel. As civil engineers for this groundbreaking project, Laing played an integral role in bringing this ambitious vision to life. Although Berkeley Nuclear Power Station commenced operations in 1962, it has long been decommissioned since its closure in 1989. Nevertheless, this photograph serves as a testament to mankind's relentless pursuit of technological advancement and our ability to harness atomic energy for peaceful purposes. Preserved by A© Historic England Archive, this remarkable snapshot offers us a glimpse into an era defined by scientific progress and engineering excellence – forever etching Berkeley Nuclear Power Station into our collective memory.
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