William Wood (Ingatestone)

William Wood, The Spread Eagle Inn and Brewery, Ingatestone, Essex.

Early records indicate that brewing was taking place in 1794, when there were twelve licensed houses connected with the concern. William Woods was landlord and brewer for forty years when he died on 20th July, 1836.

A sale catalogue dated 16th December, 1836 described the brewery as "recently and efficently fitted up with a 13 barrel dome copper, Tun Room, malt and hop room, three stores and an abundant supply of water".

Public houses included the Chequers or Spread Eagle Tap, nearly opposite the brewery, The Ship at the east end of Ingatestone, and the Swan barn with granary.

On 30th March, 1837, a document indicates that Henry Woods (son) of the Falcon Inn, Aldersgate Street London, John Woods, coal merchant and Frederick Woods of Derby, Susanah Woods, widow of William Colling Wells, Thomas Hodges and Isaac Perry, brewers, had interests in the business. (Isaac Perry and William Colling Wells, son of Henry Colling Wells J.P. were directors of the Chelmsford Brewery (Wells & Perry) Ltd, Thomas Westcoate was also listed in 1826 with William Woods at the Spread Eagle Inn (and posting), Margaretting.

The property was up for sale again on 25th August, 1848 when it was in the occupation of Robert Talbot, late of Mr Woods, former owner, who enjoyed the London trade, this was due to the close proximity of the Great Eastern Railway station. By 1854, the landlord and brewer was William Colling Wells who sold out to Ind Coope Ltd., Romford. The Spread Eagle public house continued to trade, being signed Taylor, Walker & Co. Ltd, finally being demolished in 1963.

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