Geo Nelson Dale - Emscote Mills - Gelatine

History of the Nelsons of Warwick
In 1837 George Nelson, a chemist, set up in business at Rock Mill Leamington manufacturing gelatine. His enterprise expanded rapidly and needed to relocate to Emscote Mills in 1842 where it remained for the next 150 years.
Prospering through five generations the Nelsons were pioneers in the birth of the frozen meat trade branching out to New Zealand and Australia. Nelson's Gelatine became an important agent in the early years of photography which continued to the 1950s.
A few mills remain in Wharf Street as well as the still prospering Nelson Club opened in 1883. The Lawn House stands proud in what remains of the grounds. The house and workmen's cottages in Charles Street (Nelson Village) are possibly the oldest examples of cement block dwellings.
Anthony Leahy has preserved for the benefit of Warwickians and others, the history of a truly remarkable Warwick family.
Video ©Anthony James Leahy