Description:The original gasometer at the Soho Foundry, Handsworth. It was constructed in about 1799 and was used continuously to supply the Soho Foundry with gas for lighting purposes until the gas could be purchased at a cheaper rate from outside producers. The gasometer was used for supplying 'Dowson Gas' to the various gas-engines in the works. The gasometer was 102 years old when the photograph was taken in 1901.