George Beer & Rigden Ltd Round Black Backed Steel

George Beer & Rigden Ltd black backed steel tray dating from the early 1930s. The business, which was established by George Beer in 1847, initially traded as Beer & Co., then as George Beer & Co. in the 1850s. The Star Brewery, as it became named around the 1860s, was built against the city wall and was located on Broad Street, Canterbury. The Company was registered as George Beer & Co. Ltd in 1919. The Rigden business, on the other hand, was founded by Edward Rigden in the 1720s. The brewery was located on Court Street in Faversham. The Company was registered as W.E. & J.Rigden Ltd in 1902. W.E.& J.Rigden Ltd merged with George Beer & Co. Ltd in 1922 to form George Beer & Rigden. The Company became 'Limited' in 1927. All brewing was concentrated at Rigden's Faversham brewery, resulting in the closure of Beer's Star Brewery in Canterbury which was eventually demolished in 1936. The Company was acquired by Fremlins Ltd in 1948 and brewing ceased in 1954. Brewing was recommenced by Fremlins Ltd in 1961. Fremlins Ltd was acquired by Whitbread & Co. Ltd in 1967 and brewing was continued under its ownership at the Rigden's brewery in Faversham until 1990. The manufacturer's mark states - "Hancor" Mitcham 3.32.IM.F.F Beer & Rigden