Letters re the Okill family.

John Okill, born in 1688, was the owner of the Flint Pot Works in South Shore, Liverpool, a prominent maker and exporter. He also owned timber yards near Salt House Dock and various properties in Liverpool. After his death in 1773, many members of his family lived comfortably in their Lee Hall Estate in Woolton, south of Liverpool centre. The collection comprises of 112 items, dated between 1773-1905. It is of interest to those studying the lives of the Okill descendants during the 18th century, particularly for their parliamentary and naval influence. The Okill pottery trade largely pre-dates the collection, so the records here are of limited use in this area. The family’s involvement in the Transatlantic slave trade is mentioned. The collection primarily consists of letters exchanged between members of the Okill family, particularly John Okill and his uncle James Okill, the younger. These letters offer insights into inheritance matters and provide a glimpse into their seafaring experiences during this time, as well as their personal, legal, and business matters. A number of family wills, marriage certificates and family trees are included. Through the family’s successful ventures in the pottery trade, they had established a prominent name for themselves as influential figures in Liverpool's industrial landscape, and later, the political sector.