10 Apr Tin cans made in Bermondsey

This piece is based on an article by author Mike Rendell in the London Historians group’s latest newsletter. Mike’s books may be found here.

We have picked up on it because of the connection with Bermondsey. Traditional ways to preserve food for the long bleak winter were salting, smoking, sugaring and pickling. Then, the tin can was invented – iron outside, tin inside. At first, production was difficult because the cans were all hand made (at Bryan Donkins business in Blue Anchor Lane, Bermondsey) and expensive. Nonetheless, contracts were signed to supply to the British Army and the Royal Navy At first the tins had to be opened with hammer and chisel, but by 1855, a hand-held opener was invented. This took the can into domestic kitchens. By 1865 Britain’s first mechanised meat-canning factory had been established using steel cans instead of iron. Soon there was corned beef in a tin with a side-opening key and sardines in cans with lids which could be rolled back with an integral key. All wonderful gifts to convenience, but as nothing compared with the current ring-pull!

Picture of Bryan Donkin courtesy of donkinweb