Scottish shale Scottish shale

Plank Lane oil works

Former parish and county:
Parish of Wigan, County of Lancashire
Opened:
c.1863
Closed:
post 1868

Sale notices (see references) suggest that oil works plant were "nearly new" when advertised in December 1864. The oil works seem still to have been in operation in 1868

  • Detailed maps
  • Location map
  • Newspaper references
    • CHEMICAL MANUFACTURERS, OIL REFINERS AND OTHERS.

      TO BE SOLD BY PRIVATE TREATY, all that PLOT OF LAND, situate in the township of Abram, in the county of Lancaster, adjoining near the Leigh branch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, and bounded the southerly side by the said canal, and on the easterly side by a tramway or railway belonging to the BICKERSHAW HALL Colliery Company, containing the whole, admeasurement, 297,75l square yards. A portion of the land, containing about 2,370 yards, sub-let for a term of 99 years, from the 22nd day November, 1863, at a yearly rent £14 16s 4d.

      On the remainder of the land are erected the valuable works known by the name of the “Plank Lane Oil Works” will sold with the steam Engine, Tanks, Vats, Machinery, and utensils connected therewithin, which are all modern construction, nearly new. The tenure of leasehold for the term of 900 years, from the 10th day of November, 1860, the yearly rent of £11 19s 9d.. From the proximity of the canal and railway the situation is admirably adapted for manufacturing purposes; and the premises are well worthy of the attention of capitalists.

      For further particulars. apply to Mr. A. W. CHAMBERS, Accountant, 3, Fenwick-street, Liverpool: or to Mr. EDWARD WHITLEY, Solicitor, 6 Water-street, Liverpool.

      Wigan Observer and District Advertiser, 31st December 1864

      .......

      Shocking Accident with a Gun.— On Saturday afternoon last, Mr, Steven Cox, manager of Plank-lane Oil Works, near Leigh, was shooting on the farm of Mr. Davis, Lowton, when his foot slipped, and the gun being loaded and on full cock at the time, it was discharged, lodging the contents a little below the loins of Mr. Davis. He fainted from loss of blood, and was conveyed as speedily possible to the Manchester Royal Infirmary. He is, we believe, progressing favourably.

      Leigh Chronicle and Weekly District Advertiser, 19th December 1868

      .......

      SUPPOSED PETROLEUM SPRING AT PLANK LANE.

      OIL IN COLLIER’S BACK YARD.


      On Friday afternoon some Leigh Corporation workmen were repairing in a yard behind the house of George Vaughan, miner. 30, Plank Lane. Leigh, when they discovered what apparently was a petroleum spring about two feet below the surface. The news soon spread, and hundreds of people visited the spot and were supplied with petroleum cheaply. The oil was clear and burned well Over hundred gallons were served out and then the house agent ordered the spring be covered. The flow was constant, the well being six inches deep. The house is about a mile from the Plank Lane Colliery, and also near the Maypole colliery. A contemporary says:—Messrs. Stoneham, and Co., of London, in consequence of the reported discovery oil at Leigh, Lancashire, sent representatives to investigate, and found, much to their amusement, that the oil taken from the spring was refined oil. Their investigator came to the conclusion that the flow was due leakage from an oilman's shop situated about 60ft. away, the flow being the spot where it was tapped through ancient and forgotten conduit.


      Wigan Observer, June 23rd. 1910