Proprietors of Cobridge Oil Works, presumably taking over the former premises of the Cobridge Oil Co. It is unclear whether Walker Brothers continued produce oil by retorting cannel coal. The firm is listed in an 1896 trade directory as "oil refiners & grease manufacturers, "Northern Lights" wax candles manufacturers; established 1874; T.A. "Walker Brothers, Hanley".
In 1900, the firm of Walker Brothers Oils adopted the "Century Oils" trade name, coinciding with the move to new premises in Hanley. In 1928 the firm became William Walker and Sons (Hanley) Ltd and until the end of the Second World War, traded principally in the Midlands and North of England supplying lubricants and associated products to local industry and, in particular, local mining companies. The firm became a public company - Walker's Century Oils Ltd. - in 1956. Subsequently becoming Century Oils Ltd, and, in 1976, Century Oils Groups Ltd. Following a period of major business expansion and acquisitions during the 1970's, the Century group was acquired in 1991 by the german-based Fuchs group, now the world's largest independent lubricants manufacturer. Fuchs Lubricants (UK) Ltd continue to produce oils at their New Century Street works in Hanley. (Information from fuchslubricants.com)
Partners:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the CO-PARTNERSHIP heretofore subsisting between us, the undersigned. JOHN WALKER, WILLIAM WALKER, and SAMPSON WALKER, all of Cobridge, in the County of Stafford, Oil Merchants Refiners, and carrying on business at the Cobridge Oil Works, Cobridge aforesaid, under the style or firm Walker Brothers, is this day DISSOLVED by mutual consent, as far as regards the said Sampson Walker. The co-partnership business will continued in future by the said John Walker and William Walker, under the style or firm Walker-Brothers, and all debts to, or owing by, the old firm will received and paid by the said continuing partners.
Dated this 15th day of October, 1877. JOHN WALKER. WILLIAM WALKER. SAMPSON WALKER.
Witness to the above-signatures— J. West Jones, Solicitor, Hanley.
The Staffordshire Sentinel and Commercial & General Advertiser, 27th October 1877
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