Guide to the records of William Hudson Group

held at the Barking and Dagenham Archives and Local Studies Centre

To access any of the material listed below, please email localstudies@lbbd.gov.uk or telephone 020 8227 2033

Last updated September 2014

Introduction

Williams Hudson Group Limited is the parent holding company for a number of companies, and was incorporated on 30 September 1936, bringing together Samuel Williams & Sons Ltd and John Hudson Ltd, and their subsidiaries. This group went on to acquire more companies, covering aspects of trade including international transportation and wharf ownership, road transportation, property dealing, motor retail, finance, hotels and building, engineering and metalwork, fuel distribution, storage and manufacture.

The Williams Hudson Group went into liquidation and was sold to an asset stripper in the 1980s, who divided up and sold off the various companies that comprised it. The majority of the companies whose archives are contained within this collection were part of Williams Hudson Group, but some are believed to be other companies which had been taken over by the asset stripper and whose files had become mixed with those of the Williams Hudson Group.

William Hudson Group

Minute books of Williams Hudson Group, 1962-1965The volumes contain directors' meeting minutes of the Williams Hudson Group (1962-1965). Each contains an alphabetical index at the front.3 bound volumes(Reference: NR261/1-3)

Stock and shareholder lists of Williams Hudson Group, 1978-1980These volumes were to be used during Annual General Meetings, providing information on shareholders' names, addresses and number of shares held.3 bound volumes(Reference: NR259/1-3)

Compendium of the William Hudson Group, 1971-1975One volume giving information on the Williams Hudson Group and its subsidiaries. The information contained within comprises the group structure, as well as dates incorporated, addresses of registered offices, auditors, directors, secretaries, share capital (authorised and issued), members and the activity of the company.1 bound volume(Reference: NR257)

Marine insurance contracts of the William Hudson Group, 1979-1980One volume containing annual marine insurance contracts drawn up by Bland Payne (UK) Ltd for the Williams Hudson Group.1 bound volume(Reference: NR260)

Dagenham Dock Club News Bulletins, 1961-1970Bound copies of the Dagenham Dock Club monthly news bulletins. These bulletins contain information and news on a wide variety of topics pertinent to the Dagenham Dock Club and to the Williams Hudson Group as a whole, particularly focusing on social events. Please note that copies of this material is available on the open shelves in the reading room.8 bound volumes(Reference: NR262/1-8)

Photograph albums of the William Hudson Group, 1920-1960Further information on the content of this series of photograph albums is available on request.6 bound volumes(Reference: NR263/1-6)

Photographs of the William Hudson Group, 1869-1967Further information on the content of this series of loose photographs is available on request.9 boxes(Reference: NR264/1-90)

Samuel Williams and Sons Ltd

Minute book of Samuel Williams and Sons Ltd, 1898-1968The volumes contain minutes of the meetings of directors of Samuel Williams and Sons (1898-1900, 1912-1924, 1927-29, 1931-33, 1939-1941, 1943-1945, 1948-1960 and 1962-1968). Although the volumes are numbered on the outside, these numbers should be disregarded when putting the volumes into order as they do not correspond to the date order of the minutes. It is believed that the sequence of numbers was stopped and restarted at the point when Samuel Williams and Sons became part of the Williams Hudson Group, and this explains the number sequencing shown. Please note this is not a complete run of minute books.19 bound volumes(Reference: NR269/1-19)

General ledgers of Samuel Williams and Sons Ltd, 1906-1912The ledgers contain information on the debits and credits to the accounts of Samuel Williams and Sons (1906-1910 and 1911-1912). They are organised alphabetically by account name, and contain an index in the front.2 bound volumes(Reference: NR271/1-2)

Private ledgers of Samuel Williams and Sons Ltd, 1891-1951The volumes contain information on the accounts of Samuel Williams and Sons (1891-1898, 1929-1951). Please note this is not a complete run of private ledgers.3 bound volumes(Reference: NR273/1-3)

Journals of Samuel Williams and Sons Ltd, 1913-1925The journals are arranged by date, and give details of credits and debits to the accounts of Samuel Williams and Sons.2 bound volumes(Reference: NR270/1-2)

Private journal of Samuel Williams and Sons Ltd, 1951-1965The volumes contain information on the accounts of Samuel Williams and Sons. 1 bound volume(Reference: NR272)

Cash books of Samuel Williams and Sons Ltd, 1921-1950The volumes are organised by date. They contain information relating to receipts and payments to the bank accounts of Samuel Williams and Sons.2 bound volumes(Reference: NR274/1-2)

Valuation and depreciation book for the Floating Plant of Samuel Williams and Sons Ltd, 1914-1927The volume contains information on the names of vessels, with their annual valuation and depreciation figures relating to the Floating Plant of Samuel Williams and Sons.1 bound volume(Reference: NR275)

Capital expenditure and depreciation of Samuel Williams and Sons Ltd, 1928-1932The volume contains details of expenditure and depreciation of buildings, plant and machinery belonging to Samuel Williams and Sons Ltd.1 bound volume(Reference: NR276)

Barge books of Samuel Williams and Sons Ltd, 1920-1935These volumes contain details of valuations and depreciation of barges belonging to Samuel Williams and Sons Ltd (1920-1923 and 1925-1935).1 bound volume(Reference: NR277-8)

Correspondence book of Samuel Williams and Sons Ltd, 1950-1971The volume is arranged by ship name. It contains correspondence, voyage charters for ships, and receipts. 1 bound volume(Reference: NR281)

Letter and petition of Samuel Williams and Sons Ltd, 1864Copy of a letter, written by Samuel Williams, to the Steam Tug and Barge Owners of the River Thames, accepting the nomination to become their representative at the New Board of Conservancy, together with a copy of the related petition.1 envelope(Reference: NR284)

Dinner and concert programmes of Samuel Williams and Sons Ltd, 1929-1954Five dinner and concert programmes from events held by Samuel Williams and Sons.1 envelope(Reference: NR294)

Diagram and notes on an air raid shelter at Samuel Williams and Sons Ltd, 1939One envelope containing documents relating to the air-raid shelter used during the Second World War at Samuel Williams and Sons.1 envelope(Reference: NR379)

Plan of America Farm owned by Samuel Williams and Sons Ltd, n.d.The envelope contains a plan of America Farm in Dagenham, which was owned by Samuel Williams and Sons Ltd.(Reference: NR268)

Williams Hudson Developments Ltd

Register of seals of Williams Hudson Developments Ltd, 1962-1978The volume contains information on the document sealed, the dates the documents were ordered to be sealed, and were actually sealed, and the signatures of the witnessing directors.1 bound volume(Reference: NR298)

Williams Hudson Guarantee Co.

Register of seals of Williams Hudson Guarantee Co, 1972-1980The volume contains information on the document sealed, the dates the documents were ordered to be sealed, and were actually sealed, and the signatures of the witnessing directors.1 bound volume(Reference: NR299)

Williams Hudson Securities

Account book of Williams Hudson Securities, 1977-1978A ringbound volume containing details of payments to and from the Barclays bank account belonging to Williams Hudson Securities.1 bound volume(Reference: NR300)

Hudson Steamship Co Ltd

Register of seals of Hudson Steamship Co Ltd, 1924-1980The volume containing information relating to the document sealed, the date the document was ordered to be sealed, the date the document was sealed, and how the document was disposed of.1 bound volume(Reference: NR304)

Minute books of Hudson Steamship Co. Ltd, 1920-1972The volumes contain minutes of the meetings of directors of Hudson Steamship Co. Ltd (1920-25, 1941-1943 and 1947-1972), relating to its activities as the owners and managers of deep sea vessels and coastal colliers, as well as ship brokering and chartering. Please note this is not a complete series of minute books.12 bound volumes(Reference: NR305/1-12)

John Hudson and Co Ltd

Minute books of John Hudson and Co Ltd, 1920-1976The volumes contain minutes of the meetings of directors of John Hudson and Co. Ltd (1920-1943, 1947-1962 and 1964-1976), relating to activities including wholesale distribution of solid fuels, supply and distribution of petroleum products, oil cargo trading, acting as shipping agents, acting as contractors for effluent disposal and specialised cleaning services. Please note this is not a complete series of minute books.18 bound volumes(Reference: NR306/1-18)

John Hudson Fuel and Shipping Ltd

Register of seals of John Hudson Fuel and Shipping Ltd, 1956-1981The volume contains information relating to the documents sealed, the dates the document was ordered to be sealed and actually was sealed, and the signatures of the witnessing directors.1 bound volume(Reference: NR301)

Minute books of John Hudson Fuel and Shipping Ltd, 1925-1972The volumes contain minutes of the meetings of directors of John Hudson Fuel and Shipping Ltd (1925-1929 and 1956-1972), relating to its activities as holding company for owners and managers for deep sea vessels. Please note this is not a complete series of minute books.2 bound volumes(Reference: NR303/1-2)

Private ledger of John Hudson Fuel and Shipping Ltd, n.d.The ledger is indexed at the front and is divided by liability, assets, profit and loss debits, and profit and loss credits.1 bound volume(Reference: NR302)

The Consolidated Signal Co Ltd

Minute book of The Consolidated Signal Co Ltd, 1972-1981The volume contains minutes of the meetings of directors of the Consolidated Signal Co. Ltd (1972-1981), relating to its activities as a investment company.1 bound volume(Reference: NR307)

Ducati Concessionaires Ltd

Register of members at Ducati Concessionaires Ltd, 1959-1970The volume contains a register of members, a share ledger, a register of secretaries and annual returns. All other sections have been left blank.1 bound volume(Reference: NR308)

Lynton Properties (Woking) Ltd

Minute book of Lynton Properties (Woking) Ltd, 1962-1978The volume contains minutes of the meetings of directors of Lynton Properties (Woking) Ltd (1962-1978), relating to its activities as a property investment company.1 bound volume(Reference: NR309)

Pepper Mill Brass Foundry Ltd

Minute book of Pepper Mill Brass Foundry Ltd, 1970-1978The volume contains minutes of the meetings of directors of Pepper Mill Brass Foundry Ltd (1970-1978), relating to its activities as general and precision engineers and non-ferrous founders.1 bound volume(Reference: NR310)

Pepper Mill (Sheet Metal) Ltd

Minute book of Pepper Mill (Sheet Metal) Ltd, 1970-1978The volume contains minutes of the meetings of directors of Pepper Mill Brass Foundry Ltd (1970-1978), relating to its activities comprising sheet metal fabrication work.1 bound volume(Reference: NR311)

William Dickinson & Co Ltd

Minute books of William Dickinson & Co Ltd, 1930-1967Minute books of meetings at William Dickinson & Co. Ltd (1930-1967), relating to its activities as shipping agents, operators and brokers, fuel factors, and import and export traders.3 bound volumes(Reference: NR321/1-3)

Register of members at William Dickinson & Co Ltd, 1920-1925The volume contains information comprising a register of members, debentures, mortgages, applications and allotments of shares, share transfers, a numerical register of shares and annual returns.1 bound volume(Reference: NR318)

Register of directors holdings at William Dickinson & Co Ltd, 1935-1972The volume gives details of the directors, including names and addresses, and of the shares held by each.1 bound volume(Reference: NR319)

Share certificate book of William Dickinson & Co Ltd, 1972-1981The volume contains one completed and cancelled certificate, and eight completed certificate stubs. The rest of the certificates are blank.1 bound volume(Reference: NR320)

Derwent Metals Ltd

Share certificates book of Derwent Metals Ltd, 1920-1972The volume contains 33 completed share certificate stubs. The remaining certificates are blank.1 bound volume(Reference: NR322)

Harrisons (London) Ltd

Minute book of shareholders at Harrisons (London) Ltd, 1932-1967The volume contains minutes of shareholders meetings at Harrisons (London) (1932-1967).1 bound volume(Reference: NR316)

Registers of seals of Harrisons (London) Ltd, 1931-1981The volumes contain details of the documents to be sealed, the date the documents were ordered to be sealed and were actually sealed, and the signatures of the witnessing directors.1 bound volume(Reference: NR313/1-3)

Lambert & Bendall Ltd

Register of seals of Lambert & Bendall Ltd, 1970-1981The volume contains information on the documents to be sealed, the dates the documents were ordered to be sealed and were sealed, and the signatures of the witnessing directors.1 bound volume(Reference: NR323)

The Wharton Crane and Hoist Company

Minute book of Wharton Crane and Hoist Company, 1932-1981The volume contains minutes of meetings at Wharton Crane and Hoist Company (1932-1981), relating to the manufacture of overhead electric and hand travelling cranes and associated mechanical handling units.1 bound volume (Reference: NR326)

Registers of members at Wharton Crane and Hoist Company, 1959-1974The volumes contain information on shareholders and shares held. 3 bound volumes(Reference: NR324)

Register of directors shareholdings at Wharton Crane and Hoist Company, 1951-1967The volume gives details of directors, comprising names and addresses, along with the number of shares held. The volume is ordered alphabetically by director name. 1 bound volume(Reference: NR325)

Cash received book of the Wharton Crane and Hoist Company, 1959-1981The volume contains details on money received by the company. The columns used are dates, particulars, discounts, details, dr. bank, sales ledger and other ledgers.(Reference: NR327)

Springfield Transport and Warehousing Group

Minute book of Springfield Transport and Warehousing Group Ltd, 1931-1971The volume contains minutes of meetings at Springfield Transport and Warehousing Group Ltd (1931-1971), relating to its activities as road transport contractors.1 bound volume(Reference: NR329)

Register of members at Springfield Transport and Warehousing Group Ltd, 1931-1942The volume contains details on applications and allotments of shares, a register of directors, a register of members, share transfers, an annual list, debentures and mortgages.1 bound volumes(Reference: NR328)

Samuel Williams Transport Ltd

Register of seals of Samuel Williams Transport Ltd, 1969-1979The volume contains details on the documents sealed, the date of resolution or order to seal, the date of sealing, and how disposed of. Please note the volume is mostly empty.1 bound volume(Reference: NR330)

Minutes and correspondence of Samuel Williams Transport Ltd and General Workers Union, 1974-1981The folder contains correspondence, minutes, work schedules, reports and mileage sheets relating to the activities of the Transport and General Workers Union in representing its members within Samuel Williams Transport Ltd.1 bound volume(Reference: NR331)

'Your Cafe Accommodation Handbook' of Samuel Williams Transport Ltd, 1979Printed leaflet, entitled ‘ Your Café Accommodation Handbook’, kept by Samuel Williams Transport Ltd.1 envelope(Reference: NR333)

Drivers record book of Samuel Williams Transport Ltd, 1972-1973The volume was issued by Samuel Williams Transport Ltd, and contains details of drivers' names, dates and details of journeys taken.1 bound volume(Reference: NR335)

The Springfield Warehousing and Wharfage Co Ltd

Minute books of Springfield Warehousing and Wharfage Co Ltd, 1940-1970The volumes contain minutes of meetings at Springfield Warehousing and Wharfage Co. Ltd (1940-1970), relating to the provision of warehouses.1 bound volume(Reference: NR336/1-2)

Northyard Ltd

Minute book of Northyard Ltd, 1973-1982The volume contains minutes of meetings at Northyard Ltd (1973-1982), relating to the activities of storage and distribution.1 bound volume(Reference: NR337)

Chippa Ltd

Minute book of Chippa Ltd, 1954-1975The volume contains minutes of meetings at Chippa Ltd (1954-1975). Please note that this company is thought to have been acquired by the asset stripper and held at the same time as the Williams Hudson Group. It does not appear to be one of the subsidiary companies of the Williams Hudson Group.1 bound volume(Reference: NR338)

Felhampton Properties Ltd

Register of members at Felhampton Properties Ltd, 1958-1973One volume, containing information on applications and allotments of shares, a register of members, share transfers, an annual list, charges, debentures, a register of directors, secretaries, and directors' share and debenture holdings. Please note that this company is thought to have been acquired by the asset stripper and held at the same time as the Williams Hudson Group. It does not appear to be one of the subsidiary companies of the Williams Hudson Group.1 bound volume(Reference: NR339)

The Four Hundred Ltd

Ledger of The Four Hundred Ltd, 1950-1956 One volume containing information on debits and credits to the company. It is handwritten, and contains an A-Z index at the front. Please note that this company is thought to have been acquired by the asset stripper and held at the same time as the Williams Hudson Group. It does not appear to be one of the subsidiary companies of the Williams Hudson Group.1 bound volume (Reference: NR340)

Lutergroup Ltd

Minute book of Lutergroup Ltd, 1972-1981The volume contains minutes of meetings at Lutergroup Ltd, formally known as Chartbrook Properties Ltd (1972-1981). Please note that this company is thought to have been acquired by the asset stripper and held at the same time as the Williams Hudson Group. It does not appear to be one of the subsidiary companies of the Williams Hudson Group.1 bound volume(Reference: NR341)

Mayfair Casinos Ltd

Minute book of the Executive Committee at Mayfair Casinos Ltd, 1973-1975The volume contains minutes of meetings at Mayfair Casinos Ltd (1973-1975). Please note that this company is thought to have been acquired by the asset stripper and held at the same time as the Williams Hudson Group. It does not appear to be one of the subsidiary companies of the Williams Hudson Group.1 bound volume(Reference: NR343)

Maltravers Property Group Companies

Register of seals of Maltravers Property Group Companies, 1972-1981One volume containing information on the documents to be sealed, the date of the resolution or order to be sealed, the date of sealing, and how disposed of. Please note that this company is thought to have been acquired by the asset stripper and held at the same time as the Williams Hudson Group. It does not appear to be one of the subsidiary companies of the Williams Hudson Group.1 bound volume(Reference: NR342)

H. B. Thomas Ltd

Minute book of H. B. Thomas Ltd, 1942-1961The volume contains minutes of meetings at H. B. Thomas Ltd (1942-1961). Please note that this company is thought to have been acquired by the asset stripper and held at the same time as the Williams Hudson Group. It does not appear to be one of the subsidiary companies of the Williams Hudson Group.1 bound volume(Reference: NR346)

Tomlinson (Electric) Vehicles

Minute book of Tomlinson (Electric) Vehicles, 1939-1961The volume contains minutes of meetings at Tomlinson (Electric) Vehicles (1939-1961). Please note that this company is thought to have been acquired by the asset stripper and held at the same time

as the Williams Hudson Group. It does not appear to be one of the subsidiary companies of the Williams Hudson Group.1 bound volume(Reference: NR347)

Unidentified material

Register of members and share ledger from unidentified company of the William Hudson Group, 1939-1959The register belongs to an unidentified company, probably from within the Williams Hudson Group. It contains details of members, and the shares held by each.1 bound volume(Reference: NR348)

Register of transfers from unidentified company of William Hudson Group, 1964-1971The register belongs to an unidentified company, probably from within the Williams Hudson Group. It is handwritten and contains details of shares transferred, and details of the transferors and the transferees.1 bound volume(Reference: NR349)

Journal from unidentified company of the William Hudson Group, 1967-1971The register belongs to an unidentified company, probably from within the Williams Hudson Group. It is arranged by date and contains details of credits and debits to the company.1 bound volume(Reference: NR350)

Sales Journal from unidentified motor company of the William Hudson Group, 1971-1980The register belongs to an unidentified motor company, probably from within the Williams Hudson Group. It contains detail of customer names and addresses, cars in (number and make), cars out (number and make), S.I.P, part exchange allowances, sale prices minus VAT, VAT chargeable, extras, VAT, VAT exempt insurance licenses, total debits to customer and terms.1 bound volume(Reference: NR351)

Sales journal from unidentified motor company of the William Hudson Group, 1971-1981The register belongs to an unidentified motor company, probably from within the Williams Hudson Group. It contains detail of customer names and addresses, cars in (number and make), cars out (number and make), S.I.P, part exchange allowances, sale prices minus VAT, VAT chargeable, extras, VAT, VAT exempt insurance licenses, total debits to customer and terms.1 bound volume(Reference: NR352)

Ledger from unidentified company of the William Hudson Group, 1942-1965The ledger belongs to an unidentified company, probably from within the Williams Hudson Group. It contains an A-Z index, is organised by account name, and contains details of credits and debits to the company.

1 bound volume(Reference: NR353)

Cash book from unidentified motor company of the William Hudson Group, 1952-1953The volume belongs to an unidentified motor company, probably from within the Williams Hudson Group. It is a handwritten daily cash book. Please note the first 30 pages of the book are missing.1 bound volume(Reference: NR354)

Day book from unidentified motor company of the Williams Hudson Group, 1970-1980The volume belongs to an unidentified motor company, probably from within the Williams Hudson Group. It contains details of names, addresses, cars in (number and make), cars out (number and make), S.I.P, cash deposits, machine taken in part payment, sale price, extras for terms and tax, extras on machine, total debits to customer and terms.1 bound volume(Reference: NR355)

Directors share and debenture interests from the Williams Hudson Group(?), 1961-1978The volume belongs either to the Williams Hudson Group, or to a company within the group. It contains details of directors’ names and addresses, the names of the company and shares held.1 bound volume(Reference: NR381)

Cash book of the Williams Hudson Group(?), 1945-1951The volume belongs either to the Williams Hudson Group, or to a company within the group. It is marked 'James Jones' on the outside.1 bound volume(Reference: NR382)

Cash book of the William Hudson Group (?), 1968-1980The volume belongs either to the Williams Hudson Group, or to a company within the group. It appears to relate to sales of cars.1 bound volume(Reference: NR383)

Journal of the William Hudson Group (?), 1971-1980The volume belongs either to the Williams Hudson Group, or to a company within the group. It appears to relate to sales of cars. It contains details on names, addresses, in (number and make), out (number and make), S.I.P, cash deposit, sale price, taxable extras. VAT, non-taxable extras, and total debit terms.1 bound volume(Reference: NR384)

Sales ledger (Worksop) of Williams Hudson Group(?), 1978The volume belongs either to the Williams Hudson Group, or to a company within the group. It relates to a Honda car account. It is arranged alphabetically by customer, and contains details on names, addresses, and details of car purchase.1 bound volume(Reference: NR385)

Cash book (Purfleet) of Williams Hudson Group(?), 1962-1980The volume belongs either to the Williams Hudson Group, or to a company within the group. It contains details of payments to and from accounts with Barclays Bank (pp1-32) and Martins Bank (pp34-59).1 bound volume(Reference: NR386)

Ledger of Williams Hudson Group(?), 1936-1937The volume belongs either to the Williams Hudson Group, or to a company within the group. It is marked 'James Jones' on the outside, and is handwritten, containing details of credits and debits to accounts.1 bound volume(Reference: NR387)