Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, Keadby has been the industrial beating heart of the Isle of Axholme: a busy port, a railway hub, a major crossing of the River Trent and purveyor of the finest black gold from the South Yorkshire coalfields. From the early 1950’s this bustling village then became the centre of power generation and has gone from coal burning smoke-stacks to England’s largest onshore wind farm and the most modern carbon capture technology in the world. But how did this happen? Water, transport links and some incredible people!
Rob Jollands has lived in the Isle all his life. Like most Islonians his family claims to have links to the Dutch settlers who drained the Isle, but he has no idea if that’s true or not! He has always been interested in local history and collects books and items that relate to Axholme's fascinating past. He is the current chairman of Owston Ferry Pumping Engine Preservation Society, which is looking at growing its membership. About 3 years ago Rob set up the Facebook page ‘Isle of Axholme: History Uncovered’ to share images and stories that he hopes people find as interesting as he does.
