ABSTRACT
Even today many Bristolians think of the Imperial Tobacco Company as just part of Wills. Of course, historical reasons largely account for this. When the Imperial Company was formed in 1901 Wills had already been established in Bristol for over a century and the names of the Firm and of its leading brands had long been household words familiar to the public. Not only did the Firm retain its separate trading identity, but it also provided accommodation for the Imperial head office staff until a new building, adjoining Wills' Bedminster factory, was ready for occupation in 1909.
