In January 1866 Mr. J. Nicholas of the Mineral Oil and Chemical Works, Aspull, Wigan, published an article in the "Mining Journal" describing his process for coal oil distillation. (see references on the Wigan page). This might relate to the Top Lock oil works. James Nicholas of Aspul, near Wigan, obtained a patent "for improvements in the process and appartatus for producing oil and coke for coal and slack" in February 1865. In May 1868 J. Young, Aspul, Lancaster - obtained a patent for "certain improvements in the constructions to be employed in the manufacture of the fuel termed "coke", oil and gas."
Sales notices confirm that cannel slack was retorted at Top Lock works to produce an impure "black paraffin" used as a lubricant for machinery. The paraffin coke produced as a by-product of the retorting process was sold to smiths and metalworkers. There is no evidence that production continued following sale of the works in 1868.
25" OS map c.1907, courtesy National Library of Scotland, provides few clues as to the location of the oil works
PARAFFIN OIL WORKS, TOP LOCKS, ASPULL, NEAR WIGAN – To Colliery Proprietors and Others – On sale, BLACK PARAFFIN, a pure mineral grease free from offensive smell, a lubricator of trams, ropes, &c. superior to anything of the sort offered and considered equal to resin grease. The price is very reasonable and the paraffin is guaranteed from from adulteration. For samples and price apply as above. TO SMITHS – On sale, superior Soft Coke – cheap. Apply at the above works.
Wigan Observer and District Advertiser, 29th October 1864
Without Reserve.
MESSRS. LAMB AND SON are instructed to SELL BY AUCTION, on Tuesday 30th of June, 1868 at Three o’clock in the the premises at ASPULL. near WIGAN, the whole of the valuable PLANT and MATERIALS, consisting of retorts, stills, lead-lined tanks, iron pan, tools, implements, weighing machine, steam engine, coke ovens, fire-proof safe, office furniture, and sundry materials.
The a works are well adapted for ihe manufacture of lubricating and paraffin oil, tram and naptha torch oil, creosote, lamp and vegetable black, sulphate of ammonia, hard and soft pitch, black varnish, &c
The retorts work off about 50 tons of cannel slack weekly. Yielding from 30 to 35 gallons of oil per ton, which may be purchased at 4s. per ton delivered at the works. The greater portion the plant has only recently been erected. The works are situated on the banks of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, adjoining Kirklees Hall Works .
If not disposed in one lot, the materials and plant will be sold separately For particulars apply Messrs. LAMB and SON, Practical Auctioneers and Valuers of machinery. Colliery Plant. Farm Stock and General Salesmen, also Arbitrators (established nearly half a century), Office, 16, King-street, Wigan
Wigan Observer, 26th June 1868
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