When wrought iron railings and gates were cut down back in the 1940’s the reason provided was that they would be smelted down into guns and munitions to help the war effort. What actually happened next is a mystery and since then there have been many rumours and much speculation, including theories that huge quantities of iron were just dumped in the Thames or out at sea.
So what really did happen?
One theory states that the iron collected was unsuitable and could not be used. However, Alpha Rail believes this was very unlikely, because at the time recycled iron was a key component in the steel industry.
A far more likely explanation is that more iron was collected than was needed or could be processed, hence indeed it was disposed of as quietly as possible! It is public record that by September 1944 over one million tons of iron had been collected by cutting down railings and commandeering anything made of iron. These records also show that that the huge underground munitions factory called Beaverbrook that was set up in Corsham in Wiltshire ran far below capacity for its short life.
The legacy of this action is that many towns and cities across the UK are littered low height walls that have stumps of removed metal railings jutting out from them!
Thankfully for us, recent years have seen a determined effort by many communities, led by residents who are keen to restore these areas to their former glory, to replace the gates and metal railings that were lost over 60 years ago.
Alpha Rail is proud to manufacture a wide range of metal railings and gates in a variety of designs and finishes colour. We can also offer a choice of decorative finial to complete the perfect look and feel. For further details please browse the website, complete the enquiry form or call us on 01623 750214.
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