Hancocks 1870
Hancock's Excelsior Soap* was first advertised in 1870 by Jan's Great Great Grandfather Thomas Hancock. Having lost his first and second wife he decided to leave the Cotswolds and start a new life in New Zealand for himself and several of his younger chidren. The family sailed from London aboard the 'Echunga' and arrived in Lyttelton on 22 December 1862. Several more family members arrived in later years.
By 1867 Thomas had purchased land in Montreal Street, Christchurch (Newtown) and set up his soap and candle-making factory known as the 'Newtown Soap and Candle Works'. It is recorded that he won first prize for his soap at the Christchurch Agricultural Show in 1870 and he had commenced advertising in 'The Star' and the 'Lyttelton Times' in Christchurch.
Thomas bought several acres of land in Hancocks Lane (now called Urunga Avenue) and lived there for the rest of his life. He died on 19 August 1898 aged 85 and is buried in the Hancock family plot in the churchyard of St Pauls Church, Papanui, Christchurch.
By 1867 Thomas had purchased land in Montreal Street, Christchurch (Newtown) and set up his soap and candle-making factory known as the 'Newtown Soap and Candle Works'. It is recorded that he won first prize for his soap at the Christchurch Agricultural Show in 1870 and he had commenced advertising in 'The Star' and the 'Lyttelton Times' in Christchurch.
Thomas bought several acres of land in Hancocks Lane (now called Urunga Avenue) and lived there for the rest of his life. He died on 19 August 1898 aged 85 and is buried in the Hancock family plot in the churchyard of St Pauls Church, Papanui, Christchurch.
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An inventory found of the factory for September 1874: "Five boilers: 1 for steam and fire, 2 for fire 2 moveable iron soap frames 2 moveable wooden soap frames 21 candle frames for moulds 1 candle machine for dipping candles 2 iron tanks for alkalis 1 Avery weighing machine Sundry tables, casks, implements and tools of trade |
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Before 1900 several of Thomas' sons were involved with the business, including my Great Grandfather (also Thomas Hancock). In this undated photograph the name 'Hancock Bros' can be seen in the window of the building on the right and also on the wagon (obscured) |
* My sincere appreciation for this historical information which has been sourced from
"Hancock Heritage - Thomas Hancock (1813-1898) His Ancestry and His Descendants" by the late Judith M Ward (1986)
"Hancock Heritage - Thomas Hancock (1813-1898) His Ancestry and His Descendants" by the late Judith M Ward (1986)