Old, and Some New, Photographs of Woodbridge and Melton
An iron foundry was built sometime between 1850 and 1881. It was behind It started as Bendall's Agricultural Implements and Engineering Works which initially produced foot ploughs; other agricultural implements and machines; carts; and iron and wire fencing. By the mid 1880s the company was in the hands of Mr L A Scott who started to produce a range of gas fittings and gas scrubbers. In 1889 he patented a "gas or oil burning hot water warming portable stove. The invention is a thoroughly practical and valuable one, the stove conveying warmth where circulating pipes and boilers would prove too costly. Ventilation and purity of atmosphere is ensured, thereby recommending itself to householders and others for economy, safety, utility, and health." In 1891 Scott departed carry out extensive works in the island of Porto Rico. The business and the its 32 employees were left in the hands of his sons. The Foundry closed in 1894.
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In 1909 the former foundry site was taken over by Adams Cycle and Motor Works – the makers of the St John pedal cycles- and the first business to cater for motorists in Woodbridge. (Mr A Adams had previously operated from a shop on the Thoroughfare.)
From 1925 Potter & Bensley motor engineers occupied the former foundry site. It was subsequently used by agents for agricultural equipment and then as a petrol station, car show room and workshop.
Looking down the passageway from the Throughfare towards the level crossing.
Looking up towards the Throughfare from about a third of the way down the passageway.
This elegant house adjacent to the garage was eventually demolished to increase the size of the garage.
The most recent change to the Lime Kiln Road area occurred in 1989 when the petrol station, car showroom and garage at the on the corner of the Throughfare and Lime Kiln roads were demolished. The site was then used for Suffolk Place, a complex of retirement flats, houses, garages and parking spaces. At the same time an adjoining plot of land on Deben Road was used 11 houses. The final change occurred in 2011 when a second house was built on the large plot abutting the car park.
For more on the most recent changes see the area history on Lime Kiln Quay and Deben Road.
