J. Walmsley and Sons
James Walmsley & Sons of Abbey and Peel Park Leather Works, Accrington, Lancashire.
1882 Supplied leather drive belts for the new Church Bank Mill, Church (Accrington) of W. Duckworth. The main belt was made from 65 hides and was 40" wide, 120 ft long and weighed 1200 lbs. It was stitched, pegged and copper riveted. The engine, made by Ashton, Frost and Co, was rated at 350 HP, and had a 25 ft diameter flywheel weighing 25 tons.[1]
1890 Death notice: 'Death of an Accrington Manufacturer.
—At ten minutes past two o'clock on Sunday afternoon, Mr. J. W. Walmsley, JJP., died at his residence, Mount Cottage, Accrington.
Deceased, who belonged to an old Accrington family, was widely known and esteemed throughout the county. He was a leather currier in a large way of business, and had just completed the erection of works in Avenue-parade, which are said to be the most extensive of their kind in the county.
Deceased was a Churchman and a Conservative, and was on the Commission of the Peace for the borough of Accrington. He was a member of the Town Council for three years, representing North-east Ward. He was also vice-chairman of the Accrington Conservative Club, and was 45 years of age. The loss of his wife about two years ago was a great blow to the deceased, who leaves six children, three grown up sons and three daughters. Mr. Walmsley succumbed to congestion of the brain and inflammation of the lungs. He was attended by Dr. Clayton and a specialist from Manchester. [2]. Note: This refers to John William Walmsley. James Walmsley was his son.
1918 Advert: 'TO CURRIERS, LEATHER MERCHANTS, AND OTHERS
THE CHANCERY OF LANCASHIRE, PRESTON DISTRICT (BLACKBURN).
WALMSLEY v. ECROYD.
TO BE SOLD by TENDER as a GOING CONCERN, pursuant to an Order made in the above action:—
The GOODWILL of the BUSINESS of CURRIERS AND LEATHER MERCHANTS carried on at Accrington under the style of JAMES WALMSLEY & SONS, together with the PLOT OF LAND, containing 2144 Square Yards or thereabouts, and the LEATHER WORKS and OFFICES erected thereon and including Engine, Boiler , Shafting , Machinery , Tools and Utensils, Stock-in-Trade of Hides, Part Finished and Finished Leather, &c.
The Works are four storeys in height and are substantially constructed, having been designed for the business. There is a vacant plot of land which can be used for extensions of the Works if required . There is a floor space of approximately 21,000 square feet , and the Works are well equipped with all necessary machinery, &c. The business has been established over 50 years , and is a very valuable one, making considerable profits. The sale has been rendered necessary owing to the death of the partners.
Full inspection of the premises and of the books and accounts of the firm will be given to all persons bona fide intending to tender.
Permission to inspect can be obtained from Mr James Todd only.
Particulars and Conditions of Sale and Form of Tender can be obtained on and after January 28 th, 1918, on application to Mr JAMES TODD, Chartered Accountant, 7 Winckley Square, Preston , and National Buildings , The Parsonage , Manchester ; or to Messrs BARLOW & ROWLAND, Solicitors, 15 St James Street , Accrington ; or to D. L. SPRAKE & SON, Solicitors, 19 Union Street, Accrington.
[3]
By 1937 the firm had become a subsidiary of Fenner (J. H. Fenner and Co) of Hull, continuing to trade as James Walmsley & Sons at Avenue Parade, Accrington (The Mastabar and Fastener Company were also trading from Accrington, having previously been in Cleckheaton). [4]
1937 Leather belting manufacturers.