William Argent

William Argent, Northgate Brewery, Duck Lane, Colchester, Essex.

The earliest record is in 1823, three years later the address is referred to as Duck Street, off North Hill.

The site of this small brewery was a few doors down North Hill from the renowned Marquis of Granby public house and almost opposite the North Hill Brewery of N F Cobbold (Colchester).

By 1855 the business had been sold to Francis William Bishop, who traded as the North Gate Brewery.

In 1869 there were 70 workers at the site at the time of the take over by Daniell & Sons Breweries Ltd, Castle Brewery. This high labour figure suggests that many of these employees worked in associated employment, most likely several maltings.

From ESSEX BREWERS - The Malting and Hop Industries of the County by Ian P Peaty 1992 now out of print ISBN 978 1 873966 02 4