General Horticultural Company (John Wills) Ltd .

Registered 1880 to acquire the business of John Wills which had become the largest of its kind in the world, under the patronage of HRH Princess Mary of Teck and at least 6 Countesses and 2 Viscountesses. Lathom was created in 1880, his former title being Lord Skelmersdale. A former Conservative chief whip he later served as Lord Chamberlain 1885-1895. The company owned the Exotic Nursery and Winter Garden in South Kensington, Sussex Place Nursery in Onslow Square, London, Fulham Nursery in Hammersmith and the Melbourne Nursery near Crystal Palace. Dissolved <1916. Company number 13920
Capital £100,000 in shares of £5.