Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > Cambridgeshire > North Side
Pipelaying JLP01_08_076876
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Pipelaying JLP01_08_076876
NORFOLK. A row of Caterpillar 583 pipelayers with side booms lifting the Fens gas pipeline into a recently dug trench.
Work on laying the Fens gas pipeline started in June 1967 and was a joint venture between Laing Civil Engineering and French companies Entrepose and Grands Travaux de Marseille (GTM) for the Gas Council. Over 600 men worked on the project to lay 36 inch diameter steel pipes starting at West Winch in Norfolk and running to where it linked up with the next contract at Woodcroft Castle in Cambridgeshire. The pipeline crossed four rivers and numerous dykes and ditches
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24091211
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
1960s Engineering Gas Supply Machinery North Sea Gas Pipeline
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> J
> John June
> Europe
> France
> Marseilles
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Cambridgeshire
> North Side
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Cambridgeshire
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Castles
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Norfolk
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Norfolk
> West Winch
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Rivers
> Historic England
> Industry
> Engineering and Construction
> Pipelines
> Historic
> Medieval architecture
> Castles and fortresses
> Historic castles
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the remarkable engineering feat of pipelaying in Norfolk during the 1960s. The image captures a row of powerful Caterpillar 583 pipelayers, equipped with side booms, as they delicately lift sections of the Fens gas pipeline into a freshly dug trench. The Fens gas pipeline project was an ambitious joint venture between Laing Civil Engineering and French companies Entrepose and Grands Travaux de Marseille (GTM) for the Gas Council. With over 600 dedicated men working tirelessly on this endeavor, their goal was to lay massive 36-inch diameter steel pipes that would stretch from West Winch in Norfolk to Woodcroft Castle in Cambridgeshire. As we delve deeper into this photograph's details, we can appreciate the complexity involved in laying this vital infrastructure. Not only did these pipelines traverse vast stretches of land but also crossed four rivers and numerous dykes and ditches along their path. This image serves as a testament to human ingenuity and determination, showcasing how technology and manpower were harnessed to connect communities through efficient gas supply. It is a snapshot frozen in time that reminds us of the incredible progress made by our ancestors. Historic England Archive has preserved this piece of history for future generations to marvel at the sheer scale and precision required for such an undertaking. Let it stand as a tribute to those who labored diligently behind-the-scenes, ensuring our modern comforts are made possible by their unwavering commitment to innovation and progress
MADE IN THE USA
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 Cart.