The Oval Gasholders

The Oval Gasholders are Victorian-era gas storage tanks located near the cricket ground, built from cylindrical iron frames with detailed metalwork. They stand tall and narrow, dominating the skyline with their distinctive geometric structure that makes them instantly recognizable.

The first gas tank was built on this site in 1847 by the Phoenix Gas Light and Coke Company to supply the area near Vauxhall Bridge. The replacement structure erected in 1877 became the world's largest of its kind at that time, marking a turning point in the area's industrial growth.

The structures have shaped how people view this part of London for generations, marking the landscape in a way few industrial buildings do. What once served a purely practical purpose now anchors the identity of the area in the eyes of residents and visitors.

The site is walkable from the cricket ground and offers good views from multiple street angles. Early morning or afternoon light works best for photography, as it highlights the metalwork details against the sky.

The structure held records for height and scale in industrial construction in the early 1900s, becoming an unexpected feature of the London skyline. It appears regularly in cricket broadcast backgrounds, giving viewers a familiar landmark that frames the sport from above.

Location: London Borough of Lambeth

GPS coordinates: 51.48510,-0.11400

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:24