Brakspear & Sons Ltd

Photo from Derek Taylor

Courtesy Roy Denison

W H Brakspear & Sons Ltd, New Street, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire.

Founded 1756 by Richard Hayward at the Cross Keys PH, 65 Bell Street and was joined by Robert Brakspear in about 1779. Robert Brakspear became the sole owner in 1803. Merged with Appleton & Shaw, New Street Brewery, in 1812. All brewing was then concentrated at New Street. Registered January 1896.

Ceased brewing in Henley in 2002, and the company continued as a PubCo. In 2006, the London pub company J T Davies acquired Brakspears. At the time, Brakspears had 104 pubs and Davies had 51.

After closure of the Henley brewery, the drinks distributor Refresh UK acquired the rights to brew the Brakspear brands, and installed some of the original brewing equipment at the Wychwood Brewery Ltd, Witney. Brewing started at Witney in 2004.

The New Street premises are still standing, converted to flats and a hotel. In 2013, Brakspears began brewing again in Henley at the Bell Street Brewery.

• List of W H Brakspear & Sons Ltd pubs

Images of the brewery:

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  The Bottling Hall in 1900

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  The brewery in 1978. Courtesy Roy Denison

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  The brewery in 1978. Courtesy Roy Denison

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  The brewery in 1978. Courtesy Roy Denison

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  The brewery in 1978. Courtesy Roy Denison

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  The brewery in 1978. Courtesy Roy Denison

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  The brewery in 1978. Courtesy Roy Denison

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  The brewery in 1981. Courtesy Roy Denison

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  The brewery in 2002. Courtesy Roy Denison

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  The brewery in 2002. Courtesy Roy Denison

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  The brewery in 2002. Courtesy Roy Denison

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  The brewery in 2002. Courtesy Roy Denison

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  Courtesy Roy Denison

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  Courtesy Roy Denison

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  Courtesy Roy Denison

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  Courtesy Roy Denison

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  Courtesy Roy Denison

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  Courtesy Roy Denison

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  Courtesy Roy Denison

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  Courtesy Roy Denison

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  Courtesy Roy Denison

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  Courtesy Roy Denison

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  Christmas Ale 1995. Courtesy Roy Denison

The brewery in 1996:

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The brewery in 2002 (just before closure):

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Entry in the Trade Mark Registry Registration No  : 75,847 Description  : Words "Henley Ales" Date of Application  : 4/5/1888 Used Prior to 1875?  : 87 years