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World
Famous Felling Engineers,
Noble & Lund produced
some of the world's largest machine tools and it is regrettable that there
is little or no historical documentation on this extraordinary factory.
At one time or another, most of us who worked for this company came into
contact with various members of the then current Noble family. However, I
knew of no-one who had ever met a Mr. or Mrs. Lund. He or she was a
mystery. The facts presented by the booklet are very simple. The origins
of the company began with a Mr H (Harry) Noble who came to Newcastle from
Keighley 120 years ago in 1886. Together with his brother in law, Mr.
Pearson Lund, they initiated a small engineering factory in Forth Banks.
In 1893 they transferred to Felling to establish the company which was to
build some of the largest machine tools the world has ever seen. Almost
unbelievable - but absolutely
 true.
Unfortunately the company no longer exists in the form of which I write
but those of us who worked there understood the meaning of hard work and
good craftsmanship. One area of the book with which I disagreed was the
claim that each item of manufacture was subject to "stringent inspection."
In fact parts were either exact - or wrong. During the time I worked
there, 1953 - 1968, blue prints did not have tolerances. British standards
did not apply - Harry Noble's did.
It has often been remarked that when the townsfolk of Felling are asked
where they live, the reply is not “Felling” but “THE" Felling,
indicating a pride and esteem for their native town. This surprises the
stranger, who can perceive neither historic monuments nor scenic beauty to
justify this superior attitude. However, within this seemingly
insignificant small town, a manufacturing company was created which would
carry the name of Felling to the far ends of the world. Photo above:
The directors of N & L from left to right, Mr. C S Noble, Mr. H
Noble, Mr. P Noble and Mr. L Walker.
The following tells something of the work of Noble & Lund, a local firm
which employed local craftsmen and known to many as “Nobles.” This article
will attempt to give the reader a brief account of the origins of this
company, its activities, its importance, expressing the skill and
craftsmanship of those who were trained and worked there. The
notes are taken from a booklet The Story of Noble & Lund written in
1949 by Frank Hardesty, A.R.I.C, and A.I.M.
150 years ago, Tyneside, whilst possessing a great many engineering
concerns, lacked any company manufacturing Machine Tools. The main centres
for this type of work being in Coventry, Manchester, Halifax and Keighley.
From the latter town in 1886, a young machine tool designer, Mr H. Noble
came to Forth Banks, Newcastle, and in partnership with his
brother-in-law, Mr Pearson Lund, set up the firm of Noble & Lund to
manufacture machine tools. The venture commenced in a very modest way with
about 12 workmen but soon began to flourish. In 1893 it was decided that
the original premises were too small and the company relocated to Felling.
The number of employees at this stage had increased to about 30. With the
passing years, the business expanded and larger and even larger machines
were manufactured. In 1913 it was again necessary to increase the size of
the works and acquisition of land doubled the workshop floor. Later, in
1935, a new drawing office was built and at the outbreak of the Second
World War, a canteen was provided. The foundry was remodelled; a pattern
shop and a heat treatment room were added. With the advent of modern
machinery, the overhead belt system was removed. Photo above: A
giant lathe.
As mentioned earlier in this article, its two founders, Mr H. Noble and Mr
P. Lund, managed the firm. Later, the management passed to Messrs Percy,
Harry and Charles Noble, sons of one of the founders. They continued the
traditions lay down by their father and uncle. (In later years, their
sons, Alan, David and John, would become directors of the company).
In 1947 the business was converted into a Public company. The board of the
company which had consisted of Messrs Harry, Percy and Charles Noble as
Joint Managing Directors, was increased to five with the inclusion of Mr
W.J. Purvis (Sales Director), Mr Leonard Walker (Chief Draughtsman). Mr
D.C.F. Lindsey was appointed Company Secretary. Photo below: A
corner of the Iron Foundry.
In the years before its demise, Noble & Lund produced some gigantic
machine tools. World-beaters of their time. Enormous lathes which turned
the propeller shafts for the Queen Mary and similar ships. Planing
machines which
 dwarfed
busses placed upon them to demonstrate their size. Huge milling machines
designed to manufacture the engines of ocean going ships. Turbine borers
which populated the machine shops of Parsons and a dozen other places
across the world. Surely a fascinating piece of history from The Felling.
The outer buildings of this extraordinary Felling Factory are still there
today. Its location is as follows. Travel along the Felling bypass from
Heworth roundabout towards Gateshead. Immediately after the first set of
traffic lights, (about half a mile) you will see the building set back on
your right. The company was located on Brewery Lane which was a road which
ran from the bottom of Felling High Street towards the river. Facing Noble
& Lund was a Catholic School (St Cuthbert's I think but I am not certain)
This school was originally the home of the Brandling Family and indeed one
of N&Ls workshops (turning shop) had been the stables for this house.
Later I worked for Royal Ordnance and ended my career as a Senior Quality
Engineer for British Aerospace. I never forgot Noble & Lund of Felling,
Machine Tool Manufacturers extraordinaire.
Incidentally, I lived for some time on the Ellen Wilkinson Est. and
later at Langley Avenue near the Golf Course. My sister was very
friendly with Anne Lakey. I now live in Gosforth and assist with the
running of the Jarrow Central School website
(George Watt)
If you worked for this company or if you have any information about it,
please
contact me
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