Sidney Fussell & Sons Ltd Square Tin

Sidney Fussell & Sons Ltd tin tray dating from the 1950s. The Cross Keys Inn and its brewhouse was acquired by baker, Henry Fussell, in 1857. He continued to successfully trade there as a brewer, innkeeper and baker until his death in 1875. By 1878 his son, Sidney Fussell, was managing the business and he continued to do so until 1886 when he became the sole owner, having gradually acquired the interests of his ten brothers and sisters. As with his father, the business prospered and grew under Sidney's leadership. The brewery was greatly enlarged in 1904, including the construction of a new brewhouse, boiler house, cart house and beer stores. The Company was incorporated in 1909 as Sidney Fussell & Sons Ltd. Sidney died in 1913 and three of his sons continued to manage the business. In 1935 another brewhouse was constructed on the site of the redundant bakehouse which had been closed during WWI. The Cross Keys Brewery was acquired by Bass, Mitchells & Butlers Ltd in 1962 which at the time of the takeover, was being run by Sidney Fussell, grandson of the earlier Sidney. Bass closed the brewery but continued to use the premises for bottling until 1968 and distribution until 1992. The site was developed for housing although some original brickwork has been retained. The manufacturer's mark states - Reginald Corfield Ltd Lombard Road London