EPW016855 ENGLAND (1926). The West Medina Cement Works, Parkhurst, 1926

A remarkable film of this plant in operation in 1934 can be seen on http://www.eafa.org.uk/catalogue/3163.

The Vectis cement plant commenced around 1840 making “Roman” and “British” cements under the ownership of Charles Francis and Sons. Portland cement manufacture began around 1852. In 1863 the Francis company’s Thames and Vectis parts were separated, with Vectis continuing as Charles Francis, Son and Co. Ltd. In 1900 the plant became part of APCM. The rotary kiln was installed in 1913. The plant ceased cement manufacture in 1939, but the site remained for many years as a depot for import of cement into the Isle of Wight.