The Prescotian

PRESCOT'S position midway between Liverpool and St. Helens and the mineral wealth of the surrounding countryside were the principal factors in its original development as an industrial centre. Today cable making and electrical engineering, printing and bookbinding occupy the great majority of the town's working population. It is illuminating to read the comments of Samuel Lewis, who just over a hundred years ago published his Topographical Dictionary of England. Of Prescot he wrote of the town, "lying on a substratum of coal, several mines of which are excavated to its very edge: and the collieries not only furnish abundant employment . . . but supply fuel at a cheap rate

to the inhabitants and essentially promote the manufacturing interest of the district."

Lewis goes on, "The watch-making business is a chief pursuit in the town and its vicinity." He also refers to the drawing of pinion wire having originated here and to the manufacture of files, coarse earthenware, for which the clay of the neighbourhood was particularly adapted, and to the making of cotton goods and glass bottles. The old watch factory was taken over by the Government in the 1914-18 war, and the "Liverpool Pals", raised by the late Lord Derby had their headquarters here when training.

In 1919. Messrs. C. Tinling & Co. Ltd. re-opened the factory for printing and bookbinding as an ancillary to their existing works in Victoria Street. Liverpool. Since that date there have been two major extensions, one in 1931 and another in 1947. and these have more than doubled the floor space of the factory. The present plant is one of the largest in the north of England, and produces a variety of printed matter, but the main accent is on book work, catalogue and high-class work.

The portable buildings works in Moss Street. Prescot. which have now been established since 1954 are a branch of C. & R. Constructions Ltd. whose headquarters are at Halifax. They make portable buildings of all types but are better known for garages and garden sheds in which they specialise.

It has always been the Company's policy to incorporate alternative features in their products so as to meet individual requirements and at the same time give good value and sound constructional design.

Local labour is engaged under the capable management of Mr. H. R. Bottomley. This branch has now extended operations throughout West Lancashire. Cheshire, and North Wales. They are 3 concern who arc proud of their good name and endeavour to give every satisfaction in all their dealings.

Prescot's main industry, employing over 8,000 people is British Insulated Calenders Cables Ltd. It forms a complete unit with copper and aluminium mills, wire drawing and cable making plants, and department for the production of cable accessories. Railway sidings, battery trucks and battery tractors facilitate the transport of material throughout the works.

A special feature, adjacent to the armouring shop, is a complete cable factory where stranded copper enters at one end and finished lead-covered cable leaves at the other end.