The offices of the Preston Gas Company Limited, Fishergate c.1960. Pic: Preston Digital Archive

It is something we all take for granted nowadays, but gas has been used as an energy source in Preston for 200 years. The pioneers of its primary use and the installation as a lighting resource is the subject of a talk being given by Pete Wilkinson for the next Preston Historical Society meeting on Monday 2 November at Preston Minster.

In the early days and for many years later, in fact, up to the 1960’s, gas was extracted from coal and distributed from various gas works throughout the town. Many people will recall the large circular gas holders that could be seen looming in the skyline from wherever a gas works was located. Pete tells the story of several prominent men who were leaders in this new and exciting industry and how they went about bringing gas lighting to the masses in Preston, the formation of the gas company and the various locations where the headquarters existed throughout the long history of the evolution of the invaluable commodity.

Pete Wilkinson, gas aficionado and committee member of the Preston Historical Society

Pete Wilkinson was employed by British Gas throughout his working life and there are not many people about who know their stuff as well as Pete does. So, why not go along to the next PHS meeting and listen to Pete’s fascinating and at times humorous tale of gas in Preston?

For paid up members the talk is free, visitors are very welcome and there is a small charge of £3.00 per person.
Light refreshments are available following the talk.

You can find further information of the Preston Historical Society at their website here

Or, their Facebook page here.

PHS meeting 7.15pm Monday 2 November
Preston Minster
Church Street
Preston
PR1 3BT

email to the secretary: info@prestonhistoricalsociety.org.uk

Does the history of gas in Preston interest you and would you like to attend the talk? Let us know in the comments below.