| Wolverhampton like almost every other town in the
country, was and still is, totally dependant upon its gas supply. Many
of the early innovations in coal gas lighting and production took place
about two hundred years ago. Gas was the first form of useful energy to
be widely distributed, even predating our water supply. Gas was
originally distributed as part of a Government scheme to make our towns
and cities safer places to live in, by improving the inadequate street
lighting of the day. Industry was quick to realise the benefits of gas
lighting and also found other applications where heat was needed.
Throughout the 19th century many uses were found for the new energy
source and new ideas patented. The following sections tell the story of
gas from its early years to nationalisation, concentrating on the first
century.
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