McMullen & Sons Ltd Square Tin

McMullen & Sons Ltd tin tray dating from the 1950s. The firm was founded in Back Street, now Railway Street, Hertford by Peter McMullen in 1827, when he started brewing at the back of his father's house. He moved the business to Mill Bridge, Hertford, and opened a new King William IV brewhouse in 1832. In 1860 he passed the business onto his sons, Alexander Henry, and Osmond Henry, who began trading as P.McMullen & Sons. The Company expanded rapidly during the latter half of the 19th century mainly through the acquisition of a number of local breweries and public houses. The Cannon Brewery and the Star Brewery of William Wickham, both of Ware, were purchased in 1864 and 1874 respectively. The Cannon Brewery had became McMullen's main site by 1871 until brewing ceased when, in 1891, an impressive new Hertford Brewery was built on Hartham Lane. In 1897 the Company was registered as McMullen & Sons Ltd with its tied estate totalling 90 public houses. Osmond Henry became Chairman of the new Company whilst Alexander Henry retired. In 1898 McMullen's purchased the Eagle Brewery of Hurdle and Co of Waltham Abbey. By 1902 McMullen's was the second largest brewery in Hertfordshire owning 131 public houses. Osmond Henry died in 1914 and his son Lieutenant colonel Osmond Robert became Chairman. A futher 20 pubs were added in 1920 when the Company acquired local Hertford competitor, William Baker & Sons and its Hope Brewery. From 1946 to 1980 Osmond Henry's grandson, Peter, ran the brewery. Trading during this period was difficult and Peter fought hard to keep the business afloat. His father's death duties were considerable, but by 1954 these were paid off through Peter's determination and the Company survived. A new more modern brewhouse was built on the same site in 1984 when John McMullen was in control. In 2002 a split in the future direction of the Company resulted in the sale of several non-brewing property investments, releasing cash to appease majority shareholders. A new, smaller Whole Hop Brewery was built in 2006 which was more compact than the 1984-built plant. All the spare land was sold to Sainsbury's in 2007. The Company is still brewing independently under the control of the 6th generation of the McMullen family with an estate totalling 130 public houses. The manufacturer's mark states - Reginald Corfield Ltd Lombard Road, London. S.W.19.