3-043-808 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Building the platform for Nasmyth's 25-ton Steam-Hammer, in the Gun Factory, Woolwich Arsenal, [south London], 1872. Workmen building foundations. 'It was necessary to excavate a hole 45ft. square and 19ft. deep; and, from the marshy nature of the ground upon which the whole structure will stand, it was found expedient to drive one hundred piles into the solid gravel about 25 ft. below, the intervening spaces being filled in with concrete. On this was placed an iron plate 11 in. thick, weighing 164 tons...On this again was laid another iron plate...weighing 121 tons. Again upon this were placed vertically oak balks...the whole being bound together with one wrought-iron band. On this rest two iron plates...having a total weight of 214 tons. The anvil was placed on this mass of wood and iron...in shape it is the frustum of a cone, and it weighs 102 tons. Upon the top of this comes, lastly, the anvil-face, weighing 60 tons...The remaining gape in this hole being filled in with concrete, binds all into one solid mass. Above this will be suspended the powerful hammer now in course of manufacture by Messrs. Nasmyth and Co; which is to strike with a force equal to a weight of 700 or 800 tons. It is the largest hammer yet in use'. From "Illustrated London News", 1872.