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WOL - Archives of James Woolley, Sons & Co. Ltd.
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Archives of James Woolley, Sons & Co. Ltd.

Reference Number(s) GB 133 WOL
Held at The University of Manchester, The John Rylands University Library Contact Details
Dates of Creation [1728], 1838-1967
Physical Description 1.5 linear metres.
Name of Creator James Woolley, Sons & Co.
Language of Material English
Location Collection available at John Rylands Library, Deansgate.
Cataloguing Info [ hide ]
Title Papers of James Woolley Sons & Co. Ltd.
Sub-title
Author Finding aid compiled by James Peters.
Publication John Rylands University Library
150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH, England, tel.: +44 (0)161-834 5343, fax: +44 (0)161-834 5574,

© The John Rylands University Library, The University of Manchester, 2004.
Edition 1st edition
Creation Finding aid encoded in EAD 2002 by James Peters using Epic Editor v.4.1, December 2004.
Descriptive Rules Finding aid compiled according to JRUL's Guide to the listing of archives (3rd edition, 2004), which is based on the General International Standard Archival Description (ISAD(G)), second edition.
Language Usage Finding aid written in English.

Scope and Content

Records of James Woolley Sons & Co Ltd, manufacturing chemist and druggist and pharmaceutical wholesaler of Manchester.

The archive includes articles of agreement 1872, of partnership 1890 and association 1950; ledgers, cash books, invoices, pricelists, a scrapbook of pharmaceutical adverts, deeds including some referring to the Market St premises; income tax assessments, insurance papers re. the fire at King St.; salaries and wages books, staff papers relating to working hours and conditions, staff dinners and picnics; staff magazines, a photo album, together with the personal papers of James Woolley. The collection also contains a membership certificate of the Anti-Corn Law League, and minutes of the Pharmaceutical Association Manchester branch 1841-45.

Administrative/Biographical History

James Woolley (1811-1858) started his working life as apprentice to Samuel Dean, druggist of 4 Piccadilly, Manchester, before setting up his own business as a chemist in King Street, Manchester in 1833. In 1840 he acquired R H Hargreave's business in Market Street, which had been established in 1796. Woolley was a founder member of the Manchester Pharmaceutical Society, formed in 1841 and became a Council member in 1843. On his death the business was taken over by his sons. One son, George Stephen Woolley (c.1837-1918) was responsible for developing the manufacturing side of the business. His brother, Herman was placed in charge of the manufacturing side in 1868, with another brother, Harold (1850-1889) responsible for the manufacture of scientific and surgical equipment. The business now traded as James Woolley, Sons & Co. In 1872 a fire forced the firm to relocate to Knowsley St. Cheetham, which housed its drug mills and laboratories. By 1889 the business was largely concerned with wholesale distribution of drugs and further warehouse accommodation was acquired at Victoria Bridge.

In 1895 it was incorporated as a limited liability company and in 1936 it took over J C Arnfield & Sons Ltd., a retail and wholesale chemist of Stockport, which had been established in 1786, although this continued to trade as a separate business. In 1950 James Woolley, Sons & Co. Ltd was converted to a public limited liability company. In 1962 the company was acquired, along with its subsidiary, by British Drug Houses Group Ltd., whereupon the two companies merged to form BDH (Woolley and Arnfield ) Ltd. In 1966 the wholesale distribution interest of British Drug Houses Group Ltd. and Evans Medical Ltd. merged to form Vestric Ltd.; a company with 36 trading branches including Lofthouse and Saltmer Ltd., Duncan Flockhart Ltd., and Bradley & Bliss Ltd. BDH became the Manchester branch of Vestric and ceased to trade under its established name.

Restrictions on access

Opne to any accredited reader.

Restrictions on use

Photocopies and photographic copies can be supplied for private study purposes only, depending on the condition of the documents.

A number of items within the archive remain within copyright under the terms of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988; it is the responsibility of users to obtain the copyright holder's permission for reproduction of copyright material for purposes other than research or private study.

Prior written permission must be obtained from the Library for publication or reproduction of any material within the archive. Please contact the Head of Special Collections, John Rylands University Library, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PP.

Acquisition Information

The archive was donated to the University of Manchester Library by the firm in 1968 [Librarian's Report, 1967/68, p.7-8.]

Related Material

The Library has custody of the archives of Manchester Pharmaceutical Association, of which James Woolley was a founder member.


Preferred citation

Papers of James Woolley Sons & Co. Ltd., WOL1/6/1 (etc.), The John Rylands University Library, The University of Manchester.

Index terms

Subjects
Pharmaceutical industry England Manchester
Pharmaceutical services England Manchester
Corporate Names
James Woolley, Sons & Co.
British Drug Houses Group Ltd.
Vestric Ltd.
Geographical Names
Manchester (Lancashire) Google Maps

Business Papers ( 1838-1952)

Reference GB 133 WOL1

Ledgers ( 1865-1891)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/1

Ledger ( 1865-1870)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/1/1
GB 133 Former reference: 27

Ledger ( 1868-1872)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/1/2
GB 133 Former reference: 24

Ledger ( 1881-1891)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/1/3
GB 133 Former reference: 30

Cash Books ( 1844-1882)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/2

Cash Book ( 1844)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/2/1
GB 133 Former reference: 8

Cash Book ( 1844-1882)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/2/2
GB 133 Former reference: 25

Salaries and Wages Books ( 1845-1913)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/3

Salaries Book ( 1845-1883)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/3/1
GB 133 Former reference: 26

Wages Book, Knowsley Street ( 1874-1877)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/3/2
GB 133 Former reference: 28

Wages Book, Knowsley Street ( 1877-1883)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/3/3
GB 133 Former reference: 28

Wages Book, Victoria Bridge ( 1908-1913)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/3/4
GB 133 Former reference: 34

Papers Relating to Property and Buildings ( 1846-1888 )

Reference GB 133 WOL1/4

Income Tax Assessments for 69 Market Street ( 1846-1856)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/4/1-9
GB 133 Former reference: 40

List of Assets ( 1851-1854 )

Reference GB 133 WOL1/4/10-12

Counterpart Lease and Lease ( 24 Mar 1864 & 27 Nov 1864)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/4/13
GB 133 Former reference: 1

Scope and Content

Counterpart Lease: Ann Woolley and others to David Rome Bealey for the lease of a shop at the front of 71 Market St for 7 years at £160 per year. On same document, Lease: Ann Woolley and others to John Kerr (trustee to David Rome Bealey) and Thomas Kendal, James Milne, Herbert Kendal. John Kerr sells lease to Thomas Kendal, James Milne, and Herbert Kendal for £300.

Lease ( 18 Sep 1867)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/4/14
GB 133 Former reference: 1

Scope and Content

Lease: Samuel Hargreaves to George Stephen Woolley for the lease of shops at 67 & 69 Market St and a warehouse at 1 Swan Court for 21 years at £650 for the first 7 years and £850 for the next 14 years.

Estimate for Construction Work ( 27 Aug 1872)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/4/15
GB 133 Former reference: 58

Lease ( 12 Oct 1872)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/4/16
GB 133 Former reference: 1

Scope and Content

Lease: British Empire Mutual Life Assurance Company to Messrs Woolley for the lease of the ground floor and basement of 71 Market St for 21 years at £230 for the first 5 years and £425 for the next 16 years.

Estimates for Construction Work ( 1872-1873; 1879-1880)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/4/17-60
GB 133 Former reference: 23

Scope and Content

Estimates and charges for construction work carried out at the Knowsley St site.

Estimate for Construction Work ( 10 Nov 1876)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/4/61
GB 133 Former reference: 58

Notice to Quit Shop ( 23 Dec 1876)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/4/62
GB 133 Former reference: 1

Scope and Content

James Woolley Sons & Co to Matthew Alfred Burgess Wheeler notice to quit the shop at 71 Market St.

Agreement to Sell ( 23 Jun 1883)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/4/63
GB 133 Former reference: 37

Scope and Content

Agreement between Mary Ann Hornby and Charles Haycock Hornby to sell 13 Hillgate St Stockport and other land and property in Stockport to Samuel Kay and Thomas Kay at a price named by William Hollinshead Brady, valuer. [Xerox copy]

Valuation of Property ( 13 Jul 1883)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/4/64
GB 133 Former reference: 37

Scope and Content

Valuation of land and property in Stockport [Property mentioned in WOL1/4/63] with inventory of trade fixtures and fittings.

Assignment of Goodwill ( 25 Jul 1883)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/4/65
GB 133 Former reference: 37

Scope and Content

Assignment of goodwill between the trustees of the will of Mr E. Hornby and Messss rs Kay Brothers in the business of Chemist, Druggist, and Drysalters.

Assignment of Goodwill ( 8 Feb 1888)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/4/66
GB 133 Former reference: 38

Scope and Content

Assignment of goodwill between MessrsKay Brothers and John Cash Arnfield in the business of Chemist and Druggist.

Papers Relating to the Ownership of the Company ( 1872-1951)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/5

Articles of Agreement ( 2 Jan 1872)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/5/1
GB 133 Former reference: 2

Scope and Content

Articles of Agreement between George Stephen Woolley, Herman Woolley, Harold Woolley, and Charles Andrew Johnstone as partners in the firm.

Articles of Agreement ( 31 Mar 1890)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/5/2
GB 133 Former reference: 3

Scope and Content

Articles of Agreement between George Stephen Woolley, Herman Woolley, Charles Andrew Johnstone, and Edward James Woolley as partners in the firm.

Agreement as to the Division of Profits ( 31 Mar 1890)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/5/3
GB 133 Former reference: 4

Memorandum and Articles of Association ( 21 Apr 1951)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/5/4
GB 133 Former reference: 16

Products and Prices ( 1867-1922)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/6

Advert from the Year Book of Pharmacy ( 1878)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/6/1
GB 133 Former reference: 12

Adverts from "The Chemist and Druggist" ( 25 Jan 1896)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/6/2-3
GB 133 Former reference: 13

Scope and Content

These adverts were found in a Boer farm-house by Pte. A. Kirby of the 2nd Cheshire Regiment, Kirby was an employee at Woolley's Knowsley St site.

Correspondence with Mr A. Leeming ( Aug 1901)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/6/4-7
GB 133 Former reference: 14

Scope and Content

Correspondence re using Mr Leeming's letters as a testimonial in adverts for Phenol Sodique, an antiseptic produced by Woolleys.

An Advert for Phenol Sodique ( Aug 1901)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/6/8
GB 133 Former reference: 14

Transcripts of Mr Leeming's Letter [WOL1/6/6] ( n.d.)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/6/9-10
GB 133 Former reference: 14

Letter from Fred Child ( 20 Jul 1909)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/6/11
GB 133 Former reference: 14

Scope and Content

A letter from Fred Child in praise of "Sal Carlsbed" an effervescent produced by Woolleys.

Note from J.A. Franklin ( 24 Jul 1909)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/6/12
GB 133 Former reference: 14

Scope and Content

Note from J.A. Franklin re using Fred Child's letter as a testimonial [WOL1/6/11] to promote Sal Carlsbed Effervescent.

Booklet Advertising "Sanitary Rose Powder" ( n.d. [1888?])

Reference GB 133 WOL1/6/13
GB 133 Former reference: 15

Price Lists ( 1867-1922)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/6/14-43
GB 133 Former reference: 29

Scope and Content

Price Lists for products produced by Woolleys. Incomplete series.

Specialties & Recently Introduced Remedies ( Oct 1903)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/6/44
GB 133 Former reference: 15

Scope and Content

Booklet listing company products and their uses.

Wholesale Catalogue of Surgeons' Instruments and Medical Appliances ( Jan 1910)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/6/45
GB 133 Former reference: 55

Miscellaneous Business Papers ( 1838-1952)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/7

Receipt ( 20 Nov 1838)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/7/1
GB 133 Former reference: 7

Scope and Content

Receipt to Mr Greenwood from R.H. Hargreaves Chymist and Druggist. James Woolley bought Hargreaves's business in 1844.

Wholesale Price List of Messrs. Wm. Langton & Co. ( 23 Oct 1855)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/7/2
GB 133 Former reference: 47

Invoices ( May 1876)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/7/3-4
GB 133 Former reference: 11

Scope and Content

Invoices for products bought of James Woolley Sons & Co by Mr A. Peake Druggist of Earlestown.

Heads of Departments Agree to New Working Hours ( 30 May 1876)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/7/5
GB 133 Former reference: 10

Scope and Content

Reply from management to application [from workforce] dated 13 May 1876 setting out new hours of work.

Draft Version of WOL1/7/5 ( May 1876)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/7/6
GB 133 Former reference: 10

Heads of Departments Agree to New Working Hours ( 3 Jun 1876)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/7/7
GB 133 Former reference: 10

Petition from Workforce to Alter Working Hours ( n.d. [Jul 1881])

Reference GB 133 WOL1/7/8
GB 133 Former reference: 10

Letter of Thanks from those Benefiting from New Working Hours ( 23 Jul 1881)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/7/9
GB 133 Former reference: 10

Correspondence re Trademark Dispute ( Mar 1886)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/7/10-11
GB 133 Former reference: 21

Scope and Content

Correspondence re dispute over infringement of Woolley's "Three Arrow" trademark.

Correspondence re Trademark Dispute ( Jun-Jul 1903)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/7/12
GB 133 Former reference: 21

Scope and Content

Correspondence with Oldfield Pattinson & Co re dispute over Woolley's "Mineroleum" trademark.

Correspondence re Trademark Dispute ( Feb-Apr 1911)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/7/13-26
GB 133 Former reference: 21

Scope and Content

Correspondence with the Standard Tablet & Pill Co re dispute over Woolley's "Sanitary Rose Powder" trademark.

Male Employees National Service Register ( 1916)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/7/27
GB 133 Former reference: 32

Correspondence with Stirling Estates Ltd ( Apr-May 1952)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/7/28-32
GB 133 Former reference: 51

Scope and Content

Correspondence re Woolley's historical research into the title deeds of 72 & 74 Stretford Road, Hulme.

Receipt for 1/9th Share of Rent ( 30 Jan 1845)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/7/33
GB 133 Former reference: 51

Scope and Content

James Woolley's receipt for a 1/9th share of a Chief Rent bought for property in Hulme. Enclosed with WOL1/7/28-32.

Letter to James Woolley ( 24 Jul 1845)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/7/34
GB 133 Former reference: 51

Scope and Content

Letter to James Woolley re freehold property rent charges in South Lancashire. Enclosed with WOL1/7/28-32.

Account of Rent to Mr James Woolley ( 29 Sep 1855)

Reference GB 133 WOL1/7/35
GB 133 Former reference: 51

Scope and Content

Enclosed with WOL1/7/28-32.

Personal Papers of the Woolley Family ( 1728-1917)

Reference GB 133 WOL2

William Woolley ( 14 Sep 1728)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/1

Will of William Woolley of Newton, Cheshire ( 14 Sep 1728)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/1/1

Scope and Content

Xerox copy only.

James Woolley ( 1842-1857)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/2

Accounts, Receipts, Bills etc ( 1842-1851)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/2/1-56
GB 133 Former reference: 46

Scope and Content

Accounts, receipts, bills expenses etc relating to James Woolley's role as executor to Miss Elizabeth Fremlett Johns of Higher Broughton.

Share Certificates, Share Dividends etc ( 1847-1851)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/2/57-94
GB 133 Former reference: 45

Scope and Content

Details of shares (cetificates, dividends etc) held by James Woolley in various Railway and Telegraph companies in his role as executor of Miss Elizabeth Fremlett Johns of Higher Broughton.

School Bills ( 1856-1857)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/2/95-96
GB 133 Former reference: 49

Scope and Content

James Woolley's school bills for his son Percy who attended Dr Henry Green's school at Heath-Field, Knutsford.

Letter to James Woolley from James A. White re Apprenticeship of his Son ( 14 Aug 1856)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/2/97
GB 133 Former reference: 2/3

Article by James Woolley ( n.d.)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/2/98
GB 133 Former reference: 2/2

Scope and Content

23 page handwritten article re need for the regulation of the Pharmaceutical Industry.

George Stephen Woolley ( 1860-1917)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/3

Membership Certificate of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Manchester ( 17 Apr 1860)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/3/1
GB 133 Former reference: 9

Correspondence and Receipts re George Stephen Woolley's Role as Trustee to James Woolley ( Oct-Dec 1888)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/3/2-8
GB 133 Former reference: 56

Correspondence and Receipts re George Stephen Woolley's Role as Trustee to James Woolley ( May-Aug 1891)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/3/9-13
GB 133 Former reference: 56

Release ( 1888-1895)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/3/14
GB 133 Former reference: 56

Scope and Content

Three releases written on one document. 31 Oct 1888 Release Miss Ethel Heywood and Miss Lilian Heywood to George Stephen Woolley and Harry Rawson as trustees to James Woolley. 2 Jul 1891 Release Mr Abel Heywood to George Stephen Woolley and Harry Rawson as trustees to James Woolley. 25 Jun 1895 Release George Basil Heywood to George Stephen Woolley and Harry Rawson as trustees to James Woolley.

Illuminated Address ( 30 Jan 1908)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/3/15
GB 133 Former reference: 33

Scope and Content

Illuminated Address given to George Stephen Woolley on his fifty years as Manager at Woolleys, signed by entire company staff.

Release ( 23 Jun 1917)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/3/16
GB 133 Former reference: 56

Scope and Content

Release Mr Herman Woolley and others to George Stephen Woolley as trustee to James Woolley.

Receipt and Release ( 25 Jun 1917)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/3/17
GB 133 Former reference: 56

Scope and Content

Receipt and Release Mrs Ethel Galeotti to George Stephen Woolley as trustee to James Woolley.

George Stephen Woolley's Membership Card for the National Anti-Corn Law League ( n.d.)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/3/18
GB 133 Former reference: 48

Herman Woolley ( 1863-1865)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/4

Certificates of Honour from Owens College ( 1863-1865)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/4/1-3
GB 133 Former reference: 2/8

Dalton Chemical Prize Certificate from Owens College ( 1865)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/4/4
GB 133 Former reference: 2/8

Edward James Woolley ( n.d.)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/5

Photograph of Edward James Woolley ( n.d.)

Reference GB 133 WOL2/5/1
GB 133 Former reference: 2/1

Annual Dinners and Staff Outings ( 1879-1963)

Reference GB 133 WOL3

Scrap Book of Programme Cards for Annual Staff Dinners ( 1879-1938)

Reference GB 133 WOL3/1/1
GB 133 Former reference: 31

Tickets for Annual Dinners ( 1946; 1960-1963)

Reference GB 133 WOL3/1/2-17
GB 133 Former reference: 50

Programmes for Annual Dinners ( 1950; 1960-1961)

Reference GB 133 WOL3/1/18-22
GB 133 Former reference: 50

Programmes for Staff Picnics ( 1890, 1893, 1908, 1919)

Reference GB 133 WOL3/2
GB 133 Former reference: 39

List of Staff Members with Fifty Years Service ( 1962)

Reference GB 133 WOL3/3
GB 133 Former reference: 53

Photographs ( circa 1885-1950's )

Reference GB 133 WOL4

Buildings ( circa 1885-1950's )

Reference GB 133 WOL4/1

Photographs of the Various Sites Owned by Woolleys ( Circa 1885-1940's)

Reference GB 133 WOL4/1/1-22
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