Publications
Bognor Gas, Light & Coke Company Ltd. 1865-1939, by William Gage, published 1987 in Sussex Industrial History (issue no. 17, article, pp.2-13, ISSN: 0263-5151) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16389/17] & The Keep [LIB/506526] Download PDF
Abstract:The use of gas as an illuminant was adopted by many towns during the first half of the nineteenth century and in the majority of cases the supply of gas especially during those early years was in the hands of private statutory companies. In most places the local authorities of the day were quite incapable of organising a utility of this kind.
The first evidence of a gas supply for Bognor exists with a contract dated 4th March 1851 between Messrs Snooke & Others of Chichester and the Commissioners of the Local Board for the erection of a gas works on land now known as Argyle Circus and for the supply of public lamps with gas. However, it was not until 1865 that the Bognor Gas Light and Coke Company Ltd was formed for the purpose of making supplying gas, coke and other by products to Bognor and adjoining parishes.
On 7th March of that year fifteen gentlemen subscribed to a Memorandum of Association drawn up by a local solicitor; a Frederick Elkins, who was further instructed to draw up Articles of Association. Both the Memorandum & Articles according to Mr Elkins' bill of costs, were duly registered at the Joint Stock Registry on 19th April 1865. The original capital was &Pound;3000 divided into 600 shares each of &Pound;5 and the Memorandum stated that the qualification to become a director was the possession of at least five shares.
The first evidence of a gas supply for Bognor exists with a contract dated 4th March 1851 between Messrs Snooke & Others of Chichester and the Commissioners of the Local Board for the erection of a gas works on land now known as Argyle Circus and for the supply of public lamps with gas. However, it was not until 1865 that the Bognor Gas Light and Coke Company Ltd was formed for the purpose of making supplying gas, coke and other by products to Bognor and adjoining parishes.
On 7th March of that year fifteen gentlemen subscribed to a Memorandum of Association drawn up by a local solicitor; a Frederick Elkins, who was further instructed to draw up Articles of Association. Both the Memorandum & Articles according to Mr Elkins' bill of costs, were duly registered at the Joint Stock Registry on 19th April 1865. The original capital was &Pound;3000 divided into 600 shares each of &Pound;5 and the Memorandum stated that the qualification to become a director was the possession of at least five shares.