Coke was first produced at the Monckton site near Royston in 1875. The current ovens were developed in the early 20th centaury and continue in operation today. In 1999 A modern Heat and power plant was built on site utilizing the heat from production to generate electricity in an environmentally efficient way.

As well as producing Metallurgical Coke (used In the production soda ash and as a domestic fuel.) Monckton also produces chemical byproducts from the coal carbonization process. The chemicals Include Tar, Benzole, Gas and ammonia which are used in a variety of products.

In 2002 Monckton became the last Independent Coke producer in the UK and in 2005 it was taken over by the Hargreaves group who have secured the future of the site for the next 10 years. There are currently plans to develop a new rail spur to reduce road traffic and to secure ties to Maltby colliery as a principal source of coal. I would Like to thank the staff at Monckton for allowing us onsite and allowing us to take these photographs.