Gas Holder No.13 - Old Kent Road
This is Gas Holder no 13 just off Old Kent Road in South East London. I climbed it one night, having done a few drains earlier that day, on one of a few recent visits to London. This was my first gas holder so I was psyched for it but it’s about 40m high and I was pretty nervous. When your climbing it you’re protected on three sides by the ladder and cage but it’s a sheer drop down the side where the gas holder would be (if it were full of gas), making you feel pretty exposed up there. Yer just gotta remember – they’re only fookin ladders (and they’re not even vertical!) And to breathe deeply – it’s no place for the old elvis leg to come out. There’s five sets of ladders with what seems like a very fragile landing between each of them. They face alternate ways which helped as the different, ever improving views took my mind away from the increasing drop below.
Once at the top my nerves settled a bit but I can’t blame the cold for the quality of my photos. I just couldn’t hold the camera still enough for a decent shot. Good view of the city from up there, though, without much blocking it, which is nice. There’s a catwalk and hand rail at the top. They looked safe and I was nearly tempted to do a lap of it but decided not too as I was errr too cold!! There’s also a weather vane up there in case you need to check your compass.
I found this website that has quite a bit of history about the site and a few nice little stories as well (including a huge explosion!), for those that are interested. Saves me plagiarising most of it!
http://www.exploringsouthwark.co.uk/south-metropolitan-gas-company/4592419644
yes, i was sitting down taking this! and yes i'd have probably shook myself off it if i hadn't been!
Thanks for lookin
the fault lies with me not you deffo 
