Bell & Co. Ltd Round Black Backed Steel

Bell & Co. Ltd black backed steel tray dating from the 1920s.

The Hempshaw Brook Brewery Begins Brewing

The business, with its Hempshaw Brook Brewery, was founded in Stockport by Avery Fletcher in 1835.
Avery Fletcher traded at the Hempshaw Brook Brewery until 1844 when it was it was put in the hands of his trustees, John Fletcher and James Cartwright.
It was purchased by Joseph Smith & Henry Bell in 1850 through a lottery draw which they won.

1850 to 1930 - The Business Expands

Between 1850 and 1870, the brewery was significantly enlarged.
During its expansion Joseph Smith retired and the Company then traded as Bell & Co.
When Henry died in 1891 his son, also named Henry, took over the running of the business, and profits soon increased as a result of his leadership.
The Company was registered as Bell & Co. Ltd in 1898.
Plans announced to modernise the brewery by Henry in 1926, were completed by 1930.

Frederic Robinson Ltd Acquires the Company

By 1932 the business was feeling the effects of the Great Depression and its profits fell.
Henry died in 1942 and the Company became a target for a takeover.
The Hempshaw Brook Brewery, with 160 public houses, was acquired by Frederic Robinson Ltd in 1949.
Brewing continued until 1968, and bottling continued until 1975.
Most of the brewery was demoilshed in 2012.

The manufacturer's mark states - B.A.T.Co. Ltd Smethwick.5660