A rare Victorian laboratory in south London has been added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register for 2026 after extensive damp damaged its basement.
Kirkaldy’s Testing Works in Southwark, the world’s earliest purpose-built commercial materials testing laboratory, is suffering from water damage and extensive damp in the basement, putting the historic site at risk of further deterioration.
Built in 1873, the Grade II* listed building was designed to house the Universal Testing Machine created by engineer David Kirkaldy, who pioneered the scientific testing of materials such as iron and steel.
He famously tested components for the Tay Bridge following its collapse in 1879. The 116-ton hydraulic machine he designed could apply a force of up to one million pounds to test the strength and durability of materials. The machine remains in working condition and is still used during public demonstrations.
Sarah Jarvis, chair of trustees at Kirkaldy’s Testing Works, said: “Finding David Kirkaldy’s massive, still-working Universal Testing Machine in its original setting so close to central London is a huge, and often joyful surprise for many people.”
“I encourage anyone who has an interest in innovation, design – and indeed in ‘facts not opinions’ – to join the efforts of our volunteer-run charity in giving it a sustainable future.”
Kirkaldy’s Testing Works is open to visitors and regularly hosts educational tours, helping to keep the history of materials science and the Kirkaldy family’s contributions alive.
The Heritage at Risk Register, published on Thursday 5 November, gives an annual snapshot of the health of England’s valued historic buildings and places, highlighting buildings at risk of neglect, decay, or inappropriate development.
A total of 24 sites in London have been saved and removed from the 2026 list, while 16 sites have been added. Places removed from this year’s register include a restored Georgian house in Tottenham and the grand Italian Terraces of Crystal Palace. Elsewhere in south London, Crystal Palace’s restored Victorian subway has been drawing visitors back with a Christmas craft market.
