Bedfordshire's Breweries - Charles Wells Brewery

Charles Wells was born in Bedford in 1842. When he left the Commercial School (now Bedford Modern School) at the age of 14, he was determined to join the Navy. In 1856 he joined the “Devonshire” as a midshipman and sailed from London to India. He was rapidly promoted to Chief Officer by 1868 and served on three ships.

BEDFM 2003.243, Portrait photograph of Charles Wells

All of this changed when he was on leave and fell in love with Josephine Grimbly in 1870. Her father approved of the match, but he did not want Charles to marry his daughter whilst serving in the Merchant Navy. He felt it was too dangerous and Charles would be away from home too often. Having left the Navy, Charles married Josephine in 1872. In December 1875 the Horne Lane Brewery was put up for sale at auction and sold for £16,000 to Charles. The Horne Lane Brewery was situated alongside the river Ouse with wharves, where malt and hops could be unloaded and beer dispatched.

(Left) BEDFM 2008.42.250, Charles Wells bottle with starfish design, Chrystal Collection
(Right) BEDFM 2006.328, Charles Wells model toy vehicle, c.1993

Charles threw himself wholeheartedly into the business and was successful. His early beer bottles carried the starfish design, chosen by him because of his love for the sea and the naval career he had given up to marry Josephine, and pursue his new business venture. In 1881 he bought 9 pubs for £4,486 and by 1889 he had paid off his loan. In 1890 the brewery owned 80 pubs and traded 12,552 barrels per year. Charles’ personal fortune amounted to £120,000.

BEDFM 2008.42.385, Commemorative Plate celebrating 

100 years of brewing for Charles Wells, 1876 – 1976, 

Chrystal Collection

Charles was in poor health for several years while running the business with help from his sons. He died on 18th April 1914, survived by Josephine, 5 sons and 3 daughters. He is buried in Foster Hill Cemetery, Bedford. His obituary in the Bedfordshire Times stated; "All who knew Mr. Wells, whether in business or private life, regarded him as one of the straightest men that ever breathed. There was about him all the brusqueness, candour and honesty of the British manner".

Written by Lydia Saul, Keeper of Social History

You can read more of our Bedfordshire Breweries series here.