Massey's Burnley Brewery Ltd Round Tin

Massey's Burnley Brewery Ltd tin tray dating from the 1960s. The origins of the Bridge End Brewery in Burnley date to to 1750, however it ceased to be used as such at the end of that century. In 1830 the land on which the brewery had stood was sold to Mr Lord Massey who owned the adjoining estate. Family connections with Timothy Bentley, a member of the famous Yorkshire brewers, resulted in a partnership between Lord Massey and Timothy Bentley to reopen the defunct brewery. It was renovated and its first brew was at the end of 1830. Sadly, Timothy had died a few months earlier and eventually Lord Massey became sole owner in 1841. In the mid 1800s the Bridge End Brewery was moved to another site in Westgate, Burnley and the old premises were converted into a mill. Lord Massey died in 1877 and the brewery passed into the ownership of his nephew, John Massey. The Company was registered in 1889 as Massey's Burnley Brewery Ltd to acquire the brewery and 118 public houses of Lord Massey. In the early part of the 20th century trading was very poor and the Company almost went out of business. After the First World War the Company recovered through a series of local acquisitions. William Astley of Nelson with 75 tied houses was purchased in 1924, J.Grimshaw Ltd with 128 tied houses and John Kenyon Ltd of Barrowford with 78 tied houses, were purchased in 1928. Massey's famous owl trademark was introduced in 1937. The Bridge End Brewery was acquired by Charrington United Breweries Ltd in 1966. Bass, Mitchells & Butlers Ltd merged with Charrington United Breweries Ltd which became Bass Charrington Ltd in 1967. The manufacturer's mark states - The Metal Box Co.Ltd., (Liverpool Branch)