| Description | The first gas undertaking in Widnes was formed by John Hutchinson, generally accepted as the founder of the chemical industry in Widnes. The Widnes Gas and Water Co was established in 1856 and incorporated by Act of Parliament in 1860. John Hutchinson also owned a small private gasworks at his home in Appleton, Widnes which were taken over by the company in 1863. In 1867 the Widnes Local Board acquired the Widnes Gas and Water Co and extensions were made to the works in Ditton St. The undertaking supplied Cuerdley, Bold, Cronton, Ditton, Hale and part of Halewood. In 1949 it became part of the South Lancashire Group of the NWGB. This collection contains estate and legal records only. There is one site plan, one drawing of plant and a small series of agreements and copies of title deeds. |