A good two thirds of the former R. A. Lister engine works at Dursley were demolished in the early 2000s. What remained finally closed its doors earlier this year after both the diesel engine manufacturing and sheep shearing businesses (separate entities since 1998) were relocated. Robert Ashton Lister founded the original company in 1867 with the first diesel engines being produced in Dursley 62 years later. The company merged with Petters in the 1980s.
The place was actually quite a surprise. The engine side of the site looked quite modern and i was expecting an empty shed inside. In fact there was some quite interesting bits to see. The test bed and dyno area was very intact and something id not seen abandoned before. The shearing side of the site was part of the original 1920s factory so alot different in feel. Not quite as much to see but not bad! We didnt manage to access the offices and see the famous board room but thats probably a good thing for its survival chances!
The place was actually quite a surprise. The engine side of the site looked quite modern and i was expecting an empty shed inside. In fact there was some quite interesting bits to see. The test bed and dyno area was very intact and something id not seen abandoned before. The shearing side of the site was part of the original 1920s factory so alot different in feel. Not quite as much to see but not bad! We didnt manage to access the offices and see the famous board room but thats probably a good thing for its survival chances!
Offices
Engine Works
Shearing Works
Engine Works
Shearing Works