William Cooper & Co. Ltd Round Black Backed Steel

William Cooper & Co. Ltd black backed steel tray dating from the 1930s.

Foundation of the Brewery

The original business was founded on East Street in 1786.
William Cooper operated at the East Street Brewery in Southampton from the mid-19th century until 1889 when brewing was transferred to Bell's former Itchen Brewery in Wooston.
In 1890 the adjacent High Street Brewery of Vincent & Elliott was taken over and closed.

William Cooper & Co. Ltd Registration

The Company was registered as William Cooper & Co. Ltd in 1894.
In 1900 a new brewery at York Buildings was built within the curtilage of both the East Street Brewery and the High Street Brewery.
The new East Street Brewery was a distinctive red brick building which featured a tall chimney.

Watney, Combe, Reid & Co. Ltd Takeover

The East Street Brewery, with 125 public houses, was acquired by Watney, Combe, Reid & Co. Ltd in 1943.
Brewing continued under Watney's ownership until 1950 when the brewery was closed.
The brewery buildings survived until 1965 when they were demolished and shops were built on the site.