The development is new and on Taylor Woodrow's former yard by the canal. I do not know the area well and have to find out more about its history and development but its difficult to know whether it's Greenford, Northolt or where. Its an interesting mixed development on the banks of the canal with a brand new marina. This is not yet in use but seems to have berths for about 20 boats, temporary berths I assume. Once the restaurant and bar by the water are finished, it will be really nice.
William Perkin, the man who discovered synthetic dyes while a student at the Royal College of Chemistry in London, set up a factory at Greenford Green in 1857 with help from his father. At that time he was 19 or 20! Very quickly Perkin was able to produce a new dye - mauveine - which was to make his fortune. Other colours followed and by 1874 Perkin was able to sell the factory and retire a rich man. He was then able to devote his life to pure research!
The Perkin & Sons works was on a 6 acre site by the bend of the canal south of the Black Horse public house. A blue plaque marks the spot. There is another plaque on the former family home in Cable Street in the East End where Perkin made his original experiments in a make-shift lab.
The picture, from the Science Museum collection, was taken by Perkin of the works in about 1870. What a nice rural scene - apart from the works! Apparently the colour of the water in the canal by the works changed colour depending on what dye the works was producing!
Also close to Riga is the renowned Ethnographic Museum, established in 1924 with 121 vernacular buildings and their contents from all over the country which show various industrial buildings including wind and saw mills as well as typical wooden buildings.
