British Timken Works
Duston, Northampton

In early 2005 ASC was commissioned to study the former British Timken roller bearing factory at Duston in Northamptonshire, prior to its demolition and the redevelopment of the site for housing. The project involved surveying the buildings, talking to former employees and collecting photographs of the factory. A report is being prepared and will be available in local libraries and the Northamptonshire Record Office.

During the 20^th century British Timken was the country’s principal manufacturer of tapered roller bearings. Until the Second World War production took place at Aston in the West Midlands but, in an effort to avoid bomb damage, a new factory was built on a green field site at Duston.  The new factory was opened in 1942 under the direction of Mr (later Sir) John Pascoe.

The factory expanded considerably during the later 20^th century as production expanded and new production techniques were introduced. At its peak, over 4000 people were employed in the factory, making it one of the largest employers in the area. Production ceased in 2002 and the factory is currently being demolished.

Sir John Pascoe took a great interest in the welfare and social activities of the staff and the annual Timken Show, which first took place in 1946, was an important event in the social life of the area. The show included sports events and horticultural competitions and participants in the sports events included many of the well known names of the day, including the show jumper Pat Smythe.

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