Joiner - what is a proving or testing house ?

[louisem]

I am trying to find out more about my great great grandfather. He was born in 1849 and all censuses list him as a joiner. 1911 says that he works in a Proving House and 1921 P.H Testing House in Dumballs Rd which is in the Cardiff Docks area. I can’t find any further info so wondered if anyone knew what a Proving or Testing house was?

Thank you very much

[heywood]

This doesn’t explain but gives a bit of context.
https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Lloyd%27s_Bute_Chain_and_Anchor_Proving_House

[Ashtone]

There was a Lloyd's Proving House in Cardiff, where anchors and cables were tested for strength and safety.

[louisem]

Thank you both, I will explore those places a bit more. Most of the men in my family worked at the dock one way or another, many involved in shipbuilding.