Richard Ray & Son

Richard Ray & Son, Camberwell Brewery, 52 Camberwell Green London SE5.

Founded 1860. Acquired by the Winchester Brewery Co. Ltd. 1895 and was sold to Samuel Allsopp & Sons Ltd. with 53 public houses in 1907.

Brewing ceased in 1919. Used for Marmite production until 1930.

From Brewery History Society Newsletter Number 62:-

The 1851 census shows John R Woodley, aged 22 born London, as a brewer in Walthamstow, probably an employee. In 1858 Woodleys strongly recommended their Pale Bitter Ale at 1s per gallon and for 1857-63 John Woodley was listed at the Camberwell Brewery. Then to 1867 Frederick & Richard Ray were listed. In 1871/2 Richard Ray was on his own to 1886, when Richard Ray & Son with 47 houses. However, on 11th August 1882 there was a sale of the leasehold of the Camberwell Brewery at no 50/51. Nevertheless, the following year it was still held by the Ray family.

In 1895 it was bought by the Winchester Brewery Co. Ltd, in 1898 at Camberwell Green and Winchester. In 1900 Spencer Ray, the manager, moved to Chandlers and Wyndham. S Murray was appointed head brewer and inside manager, with J Tarbet the under-brewer. It was bought by Allsopp & Sons Ltd, through Witham & Co, in June 1907, with 53 pubs. They were listed there until 1919, as the Camberwell Brewery. It was then used for Marmite production, until around 1930.