Along the Moors - Donnington

Into the Twentieth Century

Charles Walker became an influential figure in local circles; no doubt aided by his acquisition of the Leveson family’s Old Hall at Lilleshall, which became his private residence. He later established a charity that financed the foundation of the Walker Technical College, Oakengates and contributed funds for the creation of another institution in Haybridge Road, Wellington; better known today as Telford College of Arts and Technology (TCAT). Walker’s generosity even extended to the education of the people of Donnington themselves; where he provided a reading room in 1867, stocked with over 100 books.

By 1897, both Charles and his brother William were dead but this did not impair the growth of the business. Two years later, C&W Walker became a limited company, by which time its workforce had expanded to over 700 employees. At the turn of the 20th Century the business enjoyed a flourishing reputation on the world stage, manufacturing gas holders for clients as far afield as Australia. The firm also produced and conveyed gas supplies to the local neighbourhood under the name of the Lilleshall Gas Company, an arrangement that continued until the nationalisation of essential industries in 1947.