For many years Fulham Power Station dominated the skyline of Sands End, sitting on the Thames riverside near Wandsworth Bridge. Fulham was one of the first Boroughs to provide electricity and was unique in owning its own fleet of collier vessels to bring in the coal.

The four great chimneys were often used as markers for visitors to Sands End. Locals nicknamed them 'The Four Sisters' or 'Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.' 

The first power station was built at the end of the 19th century but the larger and more recognisable one was constructed in 1936, with cranes that had previously been used to build Sydney Harbour Bridge. The new power station became part of the National Grid but was demolished during the 1980s when it was decided that there was no longer a place for coal burning power stations.

Several contributors to this website either worked or had relations who worked at the Power Station. For many though it was a love/hate relationship. The smoke which billowed from the chimneys (especially before the clean air act) provided an unhealthy environment for those folk unfortunate to live nearby. Whilst employees developed great friendships there over the years some families blamed the place for causing the early deaths of their loved ones from Cancer and lung diseases. 

Michael Cheesman, who lived in Stephendale Road, says that both his father George Cheesman who worked in the turbine room and his uncle, John Cheesman, who was employed in the boiler room, died from Lung Cancer. He is convinced that the working conditions to which they were exposed caused their early deaths.

MP Tom Cox, himself a former Power Station employee and ex Fulham councillor, raised concern about the exposure of contractors and local residents to asbestos dust as the building was being demolished during the 1980s. Speaking in Parliament he said;

"I am sure that everyone is becoming more and more aware of the enormous dangers that asbestos presents.It is without doubt the most lethal of all materials.There is asbestos in the lagging of steam pipes and it is present in boiler drums and fan cases.There are enormous quantities of asbestos in power stations.For about 20 years before I became a Member of this place I worked for the Central Electricity Generating Board.That means that I understand fully the concern of communities in many areas. I understand that the local residents were not notified that Fulham Power Station had been sold or that it was to be pulled down. When they started to make inquiries, they were told that a reputable firm would be dealing with the removal of the asbestos.I suggest to the Minister that he should spend some time examining the history of the so-called reputable firm which was involved in the demolition work."

Another tragic consequence of demolition was the death of a contractor, killed by falling masonary.

Now read David Twyman's memories

 Fulham Power Station photos to follow....