Reid's Brewery Co. Ltd

The brewery features in The Noted Breweries of Great Britain and Ireland by Alfred Barnard published 1890

On a high gable facing Hatton Garden, a recessed Reid's 'Griffin' painted silver within a black cast iron grille surrounded by '1881'

The former New Coach & Horses, 69 Matthias Road, London N16 (photo SRH)

Reid's Brewery Co. Ltd, Griffin Brewery, Liquorpond Street (now Clerkenwell Road), London EC1.

Founded in 1757 when Richard Meux and Mungo Murray acquired Jackson's Brewery, Mercer Street. Griffin Brewery built in 1763. Andrew Reid became a partner in 1793. Registered 1888. In 1896, they acquired the Farnham Brewery Co. Ltd with 16 houses.

Merged with Watney & Co. Ltd. and Combe & Co. Ltd in July 1898 to form Watney, Combe, Reid & Co. Ltd. Brewing ceased in 1899. Most of the brewery still stands.

Richard Trevithick is acknowledged as the first to make high-pressure steam work in England in 1799 but he was not the first to think of so-called "strong steam". William Murdoch had developed and demonstrated a model steam carriage, starting in 1784, and demonstrated it to Trevithick at his request in 1794.

Independently, Arthur Woolf was experimenting with higher pressures whilst working as the Chief Engineer of the Griffin Brewery. He even consulted with Trevithick when the latter experimented with steam powered transport in London. The engine used in the Griffin had been designed by Hornblower & Maberly, and the proprietors were keen to have the best steam engine in London.

Trevithick built a full-size steam road locomotive in 1801. During tests, Trevithick's locomotive broke down. The vehicle was left under some shelter with the fire still burning whilst the operators retired to a nearby public house for a meal of roast goose and drinks. Meanwhile, the water boiled off, the engine overheated and the machine burned, destroying it. Trevithick did not consider this a serious setback, but rather operator error.

Various images of the brewery:

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  The brewery in 1790

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Reid's Stout Delivery Vehicles:

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Memorabilia:

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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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Entry in the Trade Mark Registry Registration No  : 190,036 Description  : Label design Date of Application  : 25/09/1895 Used Prior to 1875?  : NO Registration No  : unknown Description  : Device surrounded by "PRO VIRTUE" Date of Application  : Used Prior to 1875?  :