In 1840, John Melling came to Rainhill and established an iron foundry, primarily to provide locomotive repair work. By 1851 twenty people were employed. Following John’s death in 1956, his son Thomas continued the business and soon after began producing gas to light the passenger and goods stations in Rainhill as well as roads and substantial properties with lamp posts being made at his own factory.
Whilst developing a property in 2014, local businessman Les Nixon discovered one of the old gas lamps and offered it to Rainhill Civic Society. As well as being in need of refurbishment, the gas lamp also needed somewhere it could be seen and admired.
In 1918, the Commercial pub was purchased by Amber Taverns and underwent a substantial make-over. Following negotiations between Amber Taverns and Rainhill Civic Society, it was agreed that both parties would contribute to the lamp’s refurbishment and it would be sited in the patio garden at the rear of the pub.
Below is a photograph of the official handover on 13th June 2018 when representatives of Amber Taverns accepted the lamp from Anne Slater of Rainhill Civic Society and local businessman Les Nixon.
