NHER 55290 (Monument record) - Site of Acle Foundry (Smithdale's)

NIAS records:
After the bankruptcy of the Smithdale St. Ann's works in Norwich, the firm was moved to Acle, where prominent rail connections were seen as a potential asset to the business. Converted from a slaughterhouse around 1890, the works made iron machinery and parts, as well as employing men purely for 'call out' duties to repair and service machinery made by them. At one time, the firm employed 87 people, however this was reduced greatly in the early 1900s due to a finance slump. The firm was revived however as it was commissioned by the military to manufacture tank and artillery parts during the First World War.
The firm was advertised in Kelly's directory (S1) as a manufacturer of iron and brass, specialising in mustard machinery around 1896. NIAS recorded the works in 1973, at which time the firm was still operational if only in the capacity of a repairs business. They recoverd a large low pressure air tank, possibly used for mixing air and fuel for lighting. This was donated to the Gressenhall Rural Life Museum.
The firm closed down completely the year after. Since it's closure the site has been re-developed as a housing estate.
See (S2).
W. Arnold (HES), 07 March 2011.