Highcross Brewery (Leicester)
Cornelius Gurden, Highcross Brewery, 86 High Cross Street, Leicester, Leicestershire
In 1846 William Gurden was an auctioneer, porter and India Pale Ale dealer in Rutland Street, with his home in New Bridge Street and may have brewed in Newarke Street in 1842. James Watson seems to have been the brewer at the Highcross site from 1849 to 1863, but he was not shown in 1865.
By 1863, Cornelius Gurden had moved to the brewery. In 1867, he listed IPA, Best Bitter, XXXX A, XXXX B, XXX, XX, X, Table Ale and Stout. In 1876 he was listed as a brewer and maltster and had been a maltster at Thames Street wharf from around 1870. That year he was again advertising in the Kelly's directory. In 1877 Cornelius was described as a large brewer, also with malt offices at Vauxhall Street. In 1880, he was advertising as the Highcross Brewery supplying Fine Family Ale, Mild & Strong, Table, Porter and Stout.
From 1881 Gurden was listed at 86 High Cross. His 1892 advertisement stated that "The Ale is noted for being Fine and Sound. The Porter and Stout can be had Ripe all the year round at 86 High Street." However, in 1894 Gurden was shown only as a maltster at No 86 and at Vauxhall Street. From around 1890, Henry Heys was brewing at what then became the High Cross Brewery Company. He seems to have stopped brewing around 1904.
In 1908-1909, advertisements in the local press stated that "The Highcross Brewery Leicester ... now under the management of T P Buck, The Brewery, Lutterworth ... Famous Pure Home-Brewed Ales at popular prices ... All orders will receive careful and prompt attention." But on 26 February 1909, the "modern five-quarter brewery" was advertised for sale in the Leicester Journal, by instructions of the Executors of the late Mr Cornelius Gurden.
In the 1950s the building was the Rail & Road Transport Workers Club, which was supplied by Offilers. The building was later demolished.