There was a long article in the Tiverton Gazette in the early days of February 1925 headed ‘Electric Power’. For the first time, politicians were discussing various aspects of production and distribution of electricity. The use of electric power was increasing enormously during the 1920s and yet there were very few laws relating to it and there was considerable variation across the regions of the country. A Commission had been set up but, with no legal powers to enforce change, it had failed to make much progress. It was therefore reported in the paper that the Electricity Commissioners would be given these powers. However, they didn’t seem to be in a hurry to do this as they were only hoping to pass the Bill ‘possibly in the Autumn Session – certainly early next Session’ (1926). One of the most important issues highlighted was the ‘standardization of frequency’. The article finished by acknowledging that ‘the provision of cheap electrical power is essential for industrial development along economic lines’

Although an agreed frequency of 50Hz had been declared in 1904, there was no legislation and many other frequencies were used. London, in 1918, had services using 10 different frequencies!

In fact, the Electricity Supply Act was passed in 1926 and paved the way for the formation and development of the National Grid. However, many local generating companies remained. Supply was nationalised in 1947 and 625 companies became 12 regional Boards including the South West Electricity Board (SWEB).

In our collections we have several artefacts relating, in one way or another, to electricity around this time.

There were several local companies in Mid Devon including Bampton, Bradninch, Chulmleigh and Silverton. Some of these, and others, amalgamated to form the Exe Valley Electrical Company.

This ‘Report of the Directors and Statement of Accounts for the period ended 31st December, 1927’, gives notice of an Ordinary General meeting to be held on 7th March 1928 at St Disen’s Hall in Bradninch.

Exe Valley Electricity Co. Ltd’ plaque

The catalogue description for the item below reads as follows: ‘Wooden case with glass front. Contains electrical mechanism for three moving plates which show where in house electric bell to summon servant has been pressed.’

If you think you may have an ancestor who worked in the Electrical Department of the Borough of Tiverton between 1924 and 1931, we have a ledger with names and wages paid to the employees.