The Boilermakers Hump - Part 2
Posted on 26th Sep 2025 by David Taylor
The original story of the history of the Boilermakers Hump proved so popular that we have now added a second part. This includes work undertaken by Mick Comben (PHS Chairman) and Michael Saunders (Local Architect and former PST Board member)
Where did the name Boilermakers Hump Come From?
The name comes from the fact the Milton End terrace used to wrap the north corner of the ground and then fall away due to the sight lines issue the old north stand caused. It’s likely from the early days of the ground as the embankments were built up, this corner developed its ‘hump’ shape. The story goes the boilermakers would work the Saturday morning, then not change from their boiler suits (so smelt a bit) and head straight to the ground (via a pub or two - no doubt) and gather in the northeast corner of the ground.
The Milton End was built up over the years and fully concreted in 1928. The ‘hump’ of terracing in the northeast corner was fully extended along the north touchline around 1934-35 effectively losing the ‘hump’ of the corner terrace, at that time, but the name lived on for many years after.
The exact date the north terrace was extended is a little unclear. From our research we know the idea for the north stand was probably on the cards soon after the south stand was built and the Milton End concreted in 1928. The plans were in place by 1932 and the negotiators for the land purchase dragged on until 1934. The 1933 AGM Report states “finances at present don’t run to a new stand so for now we will have to be satisfied with a raised bank and terracing.”
The way this is worded is unclear if the works have happened or are about to happen. Michael has a very grainy photo of Milton Locks which dates from this time and the south stand can be seen but the north side of the ground appears open - it’s a shame it’s such a grainy image.
It’s really a case of - did they build the lower terrace first and then put the upper section on after or was it all built in one go?
The AGM report suggests they could build the terrace first and that makes sense so the capacity could be maintained. Also we know the funding from the 1934 Cup Final and sale of Jimmy Allen provided the shortfall to complete the stand.
We believe the fact the structure is always dated 1934/35 yet the south stand only took 3 months to build, suggests they built the terracing from the end of the 33/34 season (newspaper reports say works started in April) with the upper section going up behind to all be completed by the following April (1935). An overall year build, but that includes having to raise the entire north side banking - no small task.
Thanks Mick and Michael for the detailed work undertaken to discover these facts.