SWIAS Monograph No 19, the Salisbury Electric Light and Supply Company, by Derek Coe was published at the beginning of April and has been sent to members.

This very detailed account of the Company, established at the old Town Mill near Fisherton Bridge in 1894 and utilising water power from the Avon, charts the rise of electricity production in Salisbury from the start of generation in 1898, through nationalisation in 1948 to its close 1970.

The Monograph describes the expansion of the generating capacity of the plant and all its equipment in great detail through several updates and replacements. The application for licences and cable laying are included and it also lists those persons, directors and engineers involved with the running of the Company.

Initial problems of raising sufficient monies for the enterprise and competition from the established Salisbury Gas Light and Coke Company were eventually overcome. Salisbury Infirmary was one of the first buildings to benefit from electric lighting.

Highlights in the Company’s history include the Electrical Exhibition of 1905 where a great range of the uses for electricity were on show; electric lighting in the Cathedral in 1915; new showrooms in 1925 and the move to Electric House in New Canal in 1936.

Since 1986, Town Mill has been part of a new shopping development.

With 32 pages, including six pages of original photographs and illustrations this is the largest monograph produced by the Society so far. Individual sections are headed by thumbnail illustrations from the 1905 catalogue, which gives a nice touch. Price £4.95. To buy copies please see the information on the SWIAS Publications page. The Salisbury Gas Light and Coal Company is the subject of a further monograph (No.12) by John Watts.