Comments on: Ely Ales & Forehill Brewery – A Brief History

By: Tom4728

Tom4728 — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:32:50 +0000

I went metal detecting today and found a silver coin/token with ELY Ales For strengthh and stamina written on the one side. The other side has YOU PAY with a arrow or what looks like a compass needle In between the two words. I cant find any info online and what to find out what it is any info would be appreciatedd thanks.

By: michael hunt

michael hunt — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:11:22 +0000

My Uncle was wines and sprits manager I believe in the ’60s at the Forehill site his name was Bill Lupson and his Dad my, Grandad worked there in ’40-60s bert lupson they lived in a brewery house in Station Rd.

By: Paul Hickman

Paul Hickman — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 06:28:29 +0000

Hi Kay. If you give me name/surname details I will try to find your ancestors in the 1930s trade directories and electorial lists.

By: Kay

Kay — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 20:04:06 +0000

Hi, I am trying to track down my family tree and believe that two generations of the family could possibly have worked at the lincoln site! I know this is a long shot but I don’t supose anyone knows if any employment records from 1930 are still in existence?

By: Sam

Sam — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:48:51 +0000

I found an old Ely beer bottle whilst walking in east sussex. Thanks to you I now know it’s history….and how old the bottle is. A rather early one by the looks of it.

By: Frank Williams

Frank Williams — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 14:30:15 +0000

I remember those Happy Days Also. I worked at the Ely brewery under the leadership of John Broad and David Summerson untill its closure, I was then transfered to Ushers Brewery Trowbridge Wiltshire, I became Senior Brewer, and retired 2000 when the brewery closed. Happy Memories.

By: John Broad

John Broad — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 11:29:10 +0000

Most interesting to read of the history of Forehill Brewery. I was Head Brewer 1963/67 when it taken over by Steward and Patteson Brewery, Norwich. In 1966 S&P themselves were purchased by Watneys and I moved again as Head Brewer to their brewery at Alton, Hants which also suffered closue as a brewery and became a Distribution Centre in 1971. The Assistant Brewer at Ely David Summerson, took over until the sad closure in 1967. The brewer’s house was the adjacent and lovely family home Vineyard House in The Vineyards… Happy Days.

By: Stuart Smart

Stuart Smart — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:15:54 +0000

We run a pub which we believe was built by the Ely brewery and we are trying to find out more on the history of the pub, especially the early years – do you know if the museum has old records, or can you point us to anyother source of information

By: terry lynch

terry lynch — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 18:55:38 +0000

whilst clearing my parents loft i found a 24 set of royal portraits issued in coronation year 1953. on the back of these cards they say with the compliments of the ely brewery co ltd cardiff. Can anyone tell me weather these cards hold any value.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:56:45 +0000

Great Website but would u be able to give any information on the temple bar which was named the Crawshay Arms as im doing resaerch on the history of this pub if so thank you x

By: Paul Staniforth

Paul Staniforth — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 21:03:21 +0000

I read with interest the account of the brewery and in particular it’s own private gas works. As the author of “Can you Smell Gas?, a history of the Ely Gas Company”, I am especially interested in this aspect of the brewery. There were over 2,000 gas works of many types during the countries history many of them private ones and the early types did not use coal as their source fuel. What more is known about the brewery gas works and is a date for its construction known? The town gas works was built in 1835 so I guess the brewery plant might most likely be before this date. Anyone know? My father Claude Staniforth by the way was manager of the Ely works.

By: Peter Edwards

Peter Edwards — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 20:41:18 +0000

I have recently found a bottle (Brown) with ‘A&B Hall Ltd. Ely and Lincoln’ embossed. The bottle has a screw top but the thread is on the inside of the neck. On the bottom of the bottle it has B685UGB s1928. Is this any interest to you?

By: freda

freda — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:28:54 +0000

Can anyone tell me if there is any connection with the Hall, Cutlack & Harlock Brewers to William Cutlack, father of Susan Cutlack, born about 1810 in Littleport. She went on to marry William Flanders in 1830. I am afraid I have no more details on William Cutlack at all! Any help very much appreciated
email : fredasmith@ntlworld.com

By: Sarah King Head

Sarah King Head — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:11:37 +0000

Hello,
I’m trying to reach the breweries historian Keith Osborne in connection with some photos and beer labels he has (or has access to) of my family’s brewery in Syresham, Northamptonshire: Kings Brewery.
I would be grateful if anyone who knows of him (or he himself) could contact me at the following email address.
Many thanks,
Sarah King Head
kingheadsarah@gmail.com

By: kim walter

kim walter — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:09:55 +0000

My Great Grandfather was the landlord of The Black Bull in Waterside during various years, as was his brother Henry James Oakman mine (Benjimine Oakman). I know the sign hangs in the museum, but do’es anyone have info on Benjimine, his wife was Margaret. He run the pub till 1916 and noticed they both died that same year, did anything befall them both or was there a epidemic of something in Ely.
Benjimine was one of the sons of Nathan Oakman,and i know he died of heat aploxy, he also worked as a Maltser. Do’es anyone have info or pictures of this family from the late 1800′s or early 1900′s when the Oakman Family
were in and around Ely.

thanks
Kim Walter
Email; kwitchykim@aol.com

By: Andy Augustus

Andy Augustus — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 19:14:14 +0000

Can somebody please confirm whether Randolph and George Hall of St Mary’s Green, Ely, around 1891, are part of the Hall brewing family, (A&B Hall&Co)? Indeed, is this the address of the firm’s head office or is it perhaps the Hall family home? Any idea where I can learn more about this enterprising family?

Thanks.
Andy Augustus
Email:andyaugustus@hotmail.com

By: Andy Augustus

Andy Augustus — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:34:29 +0000

The occupation of my gg grandfather William Oakman born 1844 is given in the 1881 UK Census as ‘malster’. I am keen to know which Cambridgeshire brewery he worked in, what his job involved and anything else about this relative.

Thanks.
Andy Augustus
Email:andyaugustus@hotmail.com

By: paul anniss

paul anniss — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:43:05 +0000

Please could you advise me as building a block of flats in peterborough cambs we dug a few bottles with the letters “CUTLACK&HARLOCK LTD” on them with “BAGLEY&CO LTD” KNOTTINGLEY 2796 still in mint condition with the glass marble still in place.

By: Val Shipley

Val Shipley — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:37:05 +0000

My husband found a green bottle with A&B Hall Ltd Ely and Lincoln on the side and GS&CoLtd 1924 No10673 on the bottom. It is half full of a liquid with sediment in it and a cork in the top. The botle is in very good condition. He found it under a hedge in a field when he was out ferreting. Could you tell us what the contents would have been and if the date on the bottom relates to the time it would have been bottled?

By: melvyn brown

melvyn brown — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:55:46 +0000

My grandfather was landlord of the Marquis of Granby at Guyhirn nr Wisbech from approx 1925 until 1954 which was an ELY ALES pub sometime during this period,
He also ran a coach business from the premises called Marquis Servies do you know if there are any records in the ely ales archives of him or the pub?

Regards Mel.

By: Leonard Denham

Leonard Denham — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:26:14 +0000

Has anybody any thoughts on why my great-uncle from Kilburn (NW London) should have settled in Fenstanton at the time of the 1901 census? His occupation is stated to be mineral water maker. It is rather too far from Ely for daily work I should think but perhaps somebody with local knowledge might know if there was a nearer plant?

By: Edward Redvers Heatley

Edward Redvers Heatley — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:27:58 +0000

Dear Sirs
It was interesting to read all about the Ely Brewery that brought back many happy memories of when I served a mechanical Engieering endentured Apprenticeship at the Ely Brewery, CARDIFF between 1950 & 1955

Should any of your contributers require information on the Cardiff Ely Brewery I would be pleased if you would pass on my Email address.

Eddie Healtey
Malta GC

By: Eugene

Eugene — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 23:01:50 +0000

Looking forward for more information about this. thanks for sharing.

By: Robin Maris

Robin Maris — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:49:32 +0000

My grandfather was William Cutlack who lived at Barton Mills. I went to the brewery in the school holidays about 1950. Mr. Goodliffe was a director of the brewery.

By: Graham clarine

Graham clarine — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:30:38 +0000

I am researching my family tree. Does anyone have any information of an accident at Ely Brewery in December 1904. My Great Uncle William Kingston, was badly hurt when a barrel of sugar fell on him while being lifted. He sadly died of his injuries on the 28th of December 1904 aged 17 years. A coroner inquest took place on the 30th of December 1904. I have been unable to find any newspaper articles of this accident so far and would be greatful of any help you can give me.

By: Candy Newman

Candy Newman — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:59:54 +0000

Does anyone know if this Brewery has a connection to a family by the name of Goodliffe? They owned a brewery in this area in the 50′s/60′s but i’m not positive which it was – anyone able to enlighten me?

By: Ray King

Ray King — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 17:22:51 +0000

I would be interested in contacting Teresa (see above) as my relations also kept the ‘Bird in Hand’ and the ‘Judes Ferry’

By: susan draper

susan draper — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 13:30:57 +0000

Looking for a reply to my quest for informtion Paul Hickman replied but I cannot access it. Please send again

By: Paul Hickman

Paul Hickman — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:02:37 +0000

By: Paul Hickman

Paul Hickman — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:20:52 +0000

As a collector of Lincoln beer bottles I was very interested in your informative web site re. Halls of Ely. I have several variations of A&B Hall, Lincoln & Ely examples. I am currently researching Lincoln firms and would appreciate any information regarding when Hall`s association with Lincoln began + any other facts.

By: John Murray

John Murray — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 12:08:43 +0000

I have an old large brown bottle marked ELY BREWERY.
Is it any use to the museum? Or are they as common as muck?
I don’t know, but before I put it in recycling bin would someone let me know?
Cheers.

By: susan draper

susan draper — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 13:52:09 +0000

Anyone have an answer to Susan’s question?

Please could I have an answer to my query of August 16th 2006. I want to know when the house started to become a beer house and who it was bought from please?

By: Verity Marston

Verity Marston — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:50:03 +0000

Hello! We live in West Row and in the summer of last year my son (9) dug up a clear glass bottle in our garden with the name Cutlack & Harlock ltd. Ely on it, only a small bottle, we reckon it held 330ml of liquid, the bottle is in a good condition.

Just this week, our youngest son (5) found a rubbery type stopper with matching name on it in his school playing field at west row, he put his treasure in his coat pocket as he knew the ELY was the same as our bottle at home. It is a perfect fit it is black and has a thread.

If any one could shed any light on what may have been in this bottle (looks too small for beer?) and how old it may be, that would be great!

Many thanks
Paul, Verity, Alfie and Toby Marston

By: Barry Chapman

Barry Chapman — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 19:09:01 +0000

My first job on leaving school was at Ely Brewery at Fore Hill. I worked alongside my brother, Terry who had a foreman’s job! I remember getting 2 pints of bitter at break times served in our own glass at 15, I didnt like it much but felt I had to drink it couldnt look a sissy! I think the year was 1956. I then was offered a job as apprentice to the Brewery signwriter in his studio which was situated at Queyside just down the road. I had a happy time there watching a very clever and talented artist at work. Unfortunately he died and my apprenticeship came to an end. My brother went on to run several pubs in the Ely area. I moved away but does anyone remember me Barry Chapman but my :mates: called me Horace !!

By: Dawn

Dawn — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:48:20 +0000

How interesting !!! I am a Harlock and I like to think that I am a descendant of the brewer named Harlock !!!

By: Matt JD Bell

Matt JD Bell — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 13:30:15 +0000

My great grandma has an unopened bottle of “Rare Old Port”, which she was given on her 21st birthday she is now 83 years old, I would like some information about it, and its current value.

By: Karl Bedingfield

Karl Bedingfield — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 04:58:32 +0000

Cutlacks used to be situated at the very end of Market Street but relocated a few years ago to Fore Hill. It's original location is now the Hereward Pub. You can view some pictures of the Hereward on my Flickr site.

By: Chrystine Dimitry

Chrystine Dimitry — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 23:01:29 +0000

Oh, Waitrose! I thought it was Sainsbury’s when I went back for a visit in 1994. Well, if those are in Lincoln, then they obviously aren’t the ones I remember! But you have to admit, they sort of look the same …

Say, is there still a Cutlack’s home and garden/hardware type shop on the High (or maybe Market) Street in Ely? And would that be the same family?

By: Karl Bedingfield

Karl Bedingfield — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 18:50:28 +0000

No, these are the Crown Brewery buildings Craig spoke of in Lincoln if you are referring to the picture above in the comments.

You would be referring to auction and cattle market that was indeed where Waitrose now is located.

By: Craig

Craig — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 18:41:25 +0000

No Chrystine, this site is Crown Brewery in Lincoln and now it houses the local bus station (with a car park on the roof)and a Co-op store!

By: Chrystine Dimitry

Chrystine Dimitry — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 18:27:27 +0000

Are these the buildings that used to be located where Sainsbury’s are now? When I lived in Ely, there was a weekly auction held there. The auction buildings greatly resembled these in the photo.

By: Craig

Craig — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 08:48:21 +0000

Many thanks to Kate for her help and to Karl for his input. Much appreciated.

By: Karl Bedingfield

Karl Bedingfield — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 19:46:41 +0000

Here is that very image. I didn't think it would be up very long at the auction site.

By: Kate Johnson

Kate Johnson — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 22:15:38 +0000

Craig, I came across your query when I was looking for information about the Crown Brewery as I believe it was once owned by my great great great grandfather William Henry Brook.When I did a Google search I got a link to an auctioneers which had recently had up for auction a picture of the brewery yard of the Crown brewery which you might be interested in seeing. The link is http://www.thos-mawer.co.uk/Catalogues/AS030307/page27.htm

Hope this helps. I will e-mail this to you directly as well as leaving it here.

Kate

By: Craig

Craig — Tue, 29 May 2007 13:36:48 +0000

I know this is a long shot, but does anyone have any more info/photos of Crown Brewery Lincoln? My parents lived there when they first got married (in the 40′s) but the buildings were sadly long gone by the time i came along and i would love to see them. Please contact; craig.browns@ntlworld.com

By: Keith Osborne

Keith Osborne — Tue, 01 May 2007 20:20:24 +0000

I came across your excellent article quite by chance. I’ve researched the breweries of the UK for 40 years and collected beer labels. I’ve obtained, in this time, labels from Hall Cutlack & Harlock, and their predecessors, A & B Hall (Ely & Crown Brewery, Lincoln), Cutlack & Harlock, Cutlacks of Littleport; and Legge’s Brewery of Ely (barrel label), as well as East Anglian Breweries labels (and Huntingdon Breweries).

I’m still searching for Mills of Wisbech labels (bought by Halls 1938) and Phillips of Downham Market (ceased 1945). Maybe someone out there has some?

Keith

By: Teresa

Teresa — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 15:00:34 +0000

I recently found the brewery that supplied my 2x great grandfather was the one on your site. I’m trying to find out if there is any way I can see if there were any records regarding the Pub they supplied and my ancestor. The pub was the Judes Ferry in West Row around 1910 onwards.
My 3x great grandfather owned The Bird In Hand in Beck Row for many years also. Could you help in any way? Look forward to hearing from you and I enjoyed reading the info on your site, many thanks regards Teresa

By: John Eason

John Eason — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 23:34:03 +0000

One of my mother’s great uncles (William Guyatt, born 1860) owned a mineral water bottling company in Burwell from some time in the late 1800s. His son’s birth certificate for 1896 shows his occupation as ‘mineral water manufacturer’, although I don’t know much more about him apart from the fact that the address where his son was born was ‘Heigh Town, Burwell’.

By: John Darlington

John Darlington — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 17:21:58 +0000

As an ardent homebrewer who moved to Ely from the Norwich area 20 years ago and found that all I could make was “Cr**” -because of the water (the only variable), could you tell me: a) where the Ely Brewery got there water, b) did they have to condition it c) did their beer taste as bad as my many efforts and d) is that why they went out of business?
Sorry to be technical!!

By: James O'Donnell

James O'Donnell — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 01:49:39 +0000

Delighted to find this site. My mother was Ada Harlock born 1904.A relative of the brewers, she was a beneficery from the will of Florence Harlock in 1948.