Anglo Brewery Co. Round Black Backed Steel

Anglo Brewery Co. black backed steel tray dating from the 1920s.

Foundation, Grandeur & Prosperity

The Company was founded as the Shepton Mallet Pale Ale Brewery by William Clarke in 1864 for the production of India Pale Ale.
The business was acquired by Hill. Garton & Company in 1871 which rebuilt, modernised and renamed it the Anglo-Bavarian Brewery in 1872. The brewery was a perfect example of Victorian grandiose.
The Company produced high quality, long lasting, light ales and was awarded a well-deserved brewing medal at the International Brewing Exhibition held in Vienna in 1885.
In 1894 it was producing Pale & Mild Ales, Stout, and Amber Ale.
By the end of the 20th century it had a reputation as being one of the most up-to-date, as well as one of the largest, breweries in the country, employing over 2,000 men.
Its bottled beers were exported to India, South America, the West Indies, and many parts of Africa.

World War I - The Beginning of the End

The word Bavarian was dropped from the title during the First World War due to its German connection.
Due to export restrictions imposed by the government, the Company's finances suffered badly.
An unwillingness by its owners to carry on brewing after the Great War resulted in the ultimate demise of the Company.
The brewery ceased trading in 1921 and its pub estate was sold to both the Cheltenham Original Brewery Co. Ltd and Arnold, Perrett & Co. Ltd.
Although brewing recommenced on a small scale in 1935, trading finally ceased in 1939.
The buildings are now used as factory units.