Hazlehurst
and Sons and Johnson Brothers Chimney stacks. -Rival Soap Manufacturers
& Huge Industrialists
The massive chimneys shaped Runcorn’s skyline and are included
here as an essential, but sooty part of its past. The hydrochloric acid
vapour polluted the once clean air and together with the soot
eliminated the salt water bathing and day-trippers.
The soap manufacture led to salt, coal and chemicals and was in some
way responsible for paving, lighting, sewage systems, drains and a
market in the town, as well as employment and massive growth.
Thomas Johnson had what is now Runcorn Town Hall built as his mansion
house, later bought by Hazlehurst
after the Johnson brothers lost their money in the American Civil War.
Thomas Hazlehurst Junior built 3 schools and 12 chapels in the area
including St Pauls Chapel, pictured next to the chimney.