Brass Beer Barrel Collar - John Smith Tadcaster
Name/Title
Brass Beer Barrel Collar - John Smith TadcasterEntry/Object ID
2025.1.259Description
A brass beer barrel collar from the John Smith's breweryContext
John Smith's Brewery in Tadcaster, established in 1847, gained prominence for its pale ales, capitalizing on the town's hard, lime-rich water, which was well-suited for brewing this popular style. Here's a more detailed look at the history and background of John Smith's Brewery in Tadcaster: Early Brewing in Tadcaster: Tadcaster had been a brewing center since the 14th century due to its gypsum-rich wells. The Backhouse & Hartley Brewery, later acquired by John Smith, was established in 1758. John Smith's Acquisition: In 1847, John Smith, with his father's financial support, purchased the Backhouse & Hartley brewery and built his new John Smith's Brewery nearby. The Rise of Pale Ales: The timing was fortuitous for John Smith; pale ales were gaining popularity over porters, and Tadcaster's hard water proved ideal for brewing the new style. Expansion and Growth: John Smith's brewery saw significant growth in the late 19th century, with the arrival of the railways and the prosperity of the era. By 1861, Smith employed eight men in his brewing and malting enterprise. New Brewery Construction: In 1883, a new brewery complex was built, designed by architects Scammell & Collier of Leeds, and constructed using local stone from Toulson quarries. The Samuel Smith Old Brewery: After John Smith's death in 1879, his brother William inherited the business, and later his nephew Samuel inherited the Old Brewery, which he refitted and opened under his own name, Samuel Smith Old Brewery. Acquisitions and Takeovers: John Smith's Brewery was acquired by Courage Ltd in 1970. Source WikipediaCategory
Breweries and Brewing