A long-lived oil works on the banks of the Leeds and Liverpool canal close to the centre of Wigan. There is no evidence that oil was retorted from coal or cannel slack at that site, however the refining and blending of locally-produced oils seems likely to have taken place there.
William and Lamb's patent oils were marketed until 1873, when the partnership was dissolved and the business carried forward as John Lamb & Co.
25" OS map c.1907, courtesy National Library of Scotland. Lion oil works is at the centre of this extract.
WANTED, Colliers and others to try the PATENT LAMP OIL. It is the cheapest and best oil ever offered. It gives brilliant light, requires no snuffing, and superior to any other kind, and the price much less then ordinary refined rape oil.—To had wholesale and retail Williams and Lamb’s, Distillers and Refiners, (the patentees), Lion Oil Works, near the Seven Stars Bridge, Wigan. Trade supplied. Agents wanted.
Wigan Observer and District Advertiser, 6th January 1872
205. And Miles Williams, of the Lion Oil Works, Wigan, in the county of Lancaster, has given the like notice in respect of the invention of " improvements in the manufacture of gas." As set forth in his petition, recorded in the said office on the 17th day of January, 1873.
The London Gazette 18th February 1873
WILLIAMS and JOHN LAMB, carrying on business as Refiners and Distillers, and Grease Manufacturers, at Wigan, In the County Lancaster, under the style or firm of "WILLIAMS and LAMB” been this day DISSOLVED by Deed, as from the eighteenth day November last; and that all Debts due to or owing by the said late co-partnership, will be received and paid the said John LAMB, by whom alone the said Business will henceforth be carried on. Dated this Fifth day of December, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy Three
MILES WILLIAMS, JOHN LAMB.
The Wigan Observer, 6th June 1873
20,000 GALLONS to sold. New Oak and other empty CASKS, sizes from 100 to 300 gallons each, quite clean; 2,000 gallons emptied and for sale weekly —Williams & Lamb, Practical Oil Distillers, &c.. Lion Oil Works, Wigan; or 18, Regent road, Clarence Dock, Liverpool.
Wigan Observer and District Advertiser, 24th May 1873
.......
JOHN LAMB, DECEASED. Pursuant to the Act of Parliament, 22nd and 23rd Viet., cap. 35, intitulated, “an Act to further amend the law of Property, and to relieve Trustees”, NOTlCE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that all Creditors and others having any Claims against the Estate of JOHN LAMB, late Bellingham Lodge and of King-street, both in Wigan, the County of Lancaster, Auctioneer, Valuer, and Estate Agent, who died on the 5th day of August. 1878, and who at the time of his death was carrying on business at the Lion Oil Works Wallgate, in Wigan aforesaid, under the style or name of “John Lamb and Company," are to send the particulars, in writing, of their Claims to Mrs. Maria Louise Lamb, the Executrix of the deceased, under cover, to Messieurs Peace and Bell, King-street, Wigan, the Solicitors of such Executrix, before the 30th day of April. 1879. after which time the said Executrix will distribute the assets the Testator amongst the persons entitled thereto, having regard only to the claims of which such Executrix shall then have had notice. Dated this 2nd day of April, 1879. PEACE AND BELL, Solicitors, Wigan.
Wigan Observer and District Advertiser, 19h April 1879
TO BE LET, with immediate possession, TWO excellent OFFICES in King's Chambers,29 Kimg-street. Wigan. - Full particulars may be had by applying to JAS. WINSTANLEY, Lion Works, Wallgate, Wigan.
Wigan Observer and District Advertiser, 25h April 1879
The Restaurant and dining rooms “Silver Grid” Licenced, King-street: possession 12th May next – Apply JOHN LAMB, and Co. Lion Oil Works, Wigan.
Wigan Observer and District Advertiser, 7th March 1884
Re ALFRED HENRY LAMB, Deceased. Pursuant to the Act of Parliament of the 22nd and 23rd Viet., c. 35. N OTICE is hereby given, that all creditors and other persons having any debts, claims or demands against the estate of Alfred Henry Lamb, late of Forton Bank, near Garstang, in the county of Lancaster, and who carried on business under the style of John Lamb and Co., at the Lion Oil Works, Wallgate, Wigan, in the said county, as an Oil Refiner, Grease Manufacturer, and Tar Distiller, deceased (who died on the 13th day of June, 1918, and whose will was proved in 'the Lancaster District Registry of the Probate Division of His Majesty's High Court of Justice, on the 13th day of September, 1918, by Emma Helena, Lamb, of Forton Bank aforesaid, Widow, and Leopold Ernest Lamb, of The Gables, St. James'-road, Qrrell, in the said county, Works Manager, two of the executors therein named, are hereby required to send in the particulars of their debts, claims or demands to us, the undersigned, Solicitors for the said executors, on or before the 26th day of November, 1918, after which date the said executors will proceed to distribute the assets of the said deceased amongst the persons entitled thereto, having regard only to the claims and demands of which they shall then have had notice; and will not be liable for the assets of the said deceased,
The London Gazette, 15th October 1918
NOTICE is hereby given that the Partnership lately subsisting between Leopold Ernest Lamb and me the undersigned Charles Astley Lamb carrying on business at the Lion Oil Works Wigan in the county of Lancaster under the style or firm of JOHN LAMB & CO. was dissolved on the second day of May one thousand nine hundred and forty by the death of the said Leopold Ernest Lamb. All debts owing to or owing by the said late firm will be received and paid by Rene Lamb who will continue the said business under the present style or firm of John Lamb & Co. —Dated this 9th day of May 1940. C. A. LAMB. RENE LAMB, Executrix of Leopold Ernest Lamb, Deceased. RENE LAMB
The London Gazette. 24Th May 1940
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