British Gas can trace its origins back to 1812, when The Gas Light and Coke Company was the first public utility company in the world. It continued to thrive for the next 136 years, absorbing many smaller local gas companies. In 1948, the Labour administration of Clement Attlee nationalised gas production and distribution, creating 12 regional Gas Boards. The British Gas Corporation was created in 1972. The second Conservative Government of Margaret Thatcher introduced the Gas Act in 1986 which led to the privatisation of the company, and created Ofgas to protect customer needs.
Exhibition - 'If you see Sid...Tell him!'
2: The origins of British Gas
Receipts for gas supplied to Baron Lionel de Rothschild’s London house in Piccadilly in 1879