W.& R.Wilkins Ltd Round Tin

W.& R.Wilkins Ltd tin tray dating from the early 1950s. Thomas Wilkins was the founder of a maltings business on Marsh Lane in Longton, near Preston, the late 18th century. When Thomas died in 1842, the brewery was already established and it was taken over by his two sons, Willam and Richard. The firm traded as W. & R.Wilkins. William died in 1875 and Richard died in 1885 leaving Richard's son, Thomas Richard Wilkins to inherit the business. In 1886 Wilkins trademark of two mirrored 'W's was registered. A fire engulfed the brewery in 1896 causing damage to some of the buildings. This was not enough to stop trading and by the 1920s the Company was extremely profitable and owned 20 tied houses. Thomas Richard Wilkins died in 1927 and his son, also named Thomas, continued to run the brewery until his death in 1937. After he died the Company was registered as W. & R.Wilkins Ltd. Thomas's son, Geoffrey, was the last Wilkins to run the business until 1952 when the brewery and 8 public houses were acquired by Groves & Whitnall Ltd of Salford. Brewing ceased but Groves & Whitnall Ltd continued to operate as maltsters and bottlers. It was acquired by Greenall Whitley & Co. Ltd in 1961 and the Company ceased trading in 1972. The manufacturer's mark states - Reginald Corfield Ltd Lombard Road.London.S.W.19.