Shoreditch Refuse Destructor
SHOREDITCH ELECTRICITY GENERATING
STATION AND REFUSE DESTRUCTOR
Inaugurated 28 June 1897 by the Shoreditch Vestry,
Precursor of Shoreditch Borough Council.
An early purpose-built undertaking
To generate electricity from steam
Created by burning rubbish.
(Coronet Street)
This early purpose-built facility to generate electricity from steam created by burning rubbish was linked to the Washhouses, is an early example of sustainability in development that is aspired to today.
The Latin inscription E Pulvere lux et vis can be translated as ‘Light and Power from Dust’.
A library, now occupied by English National Opera was also added to the facility and like the washhouses was heated and lit by the station.
Unfortunately, the washhouses were demolished in the 1960’s but the Library building remains as does the generating hall, now occupied by Circus Space.
Page updated: 15 Jun 2010
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