Bedfordshire's Breweries - Newland and Nash Brewery Part 3

On 5th August 1890, William Pritzler Newland went into partnership with Susan Nash (widow of W.J. Nash – see part 1). W.P. Newland wanted more outlets for sale in the immediate vicinity of his Brewery. He had partly compensated for this by specialising in sales to private customers, but he really needed public houses to be able to expand his trade significantly. The offer of a partnership with the Nash Brewery with a much larger brewing plant than his own in Duck Mill Lane and public houses in Bedford was a heaven sent opportunity for Newland.

Newland and Nash Ltd, Bedford, Stoneware Beer Flagon, BEDFM 2008.42.283, Chrystal Collection

In the years 1890-1900, W.P. Newland was the dominant partner of the firm, and masterminded the increased purchase of existing properties, and the development of strategic sites on the newly built estates as public houses.

Susan Nash died on the 12th May, 1895 and so W.P. Newland went into partnership on 9th October 1895 with her 4 sisters: Emily Cressy Nash (19 in 1871), Florence Mary (12 in 1871), Rosa Gertrude (9 in 1871) and Constance Eveline (8 in 1871). The new partnership bought extensively in the Bedford area, and in 1891 they bought 2 lots of the Queens Park Building estate on the corner of Fairfax Road and Iddsleigh Road. On this, they built the 'Globe'. In 1894 the Coventry-Campions to whom Newland was related by marriage sold off a building estate in Bedford and the partnership bought 4 sites from this.

Newland & Nash Ltd, Champagne Brandy Paper Label, BEDFM 1998.105.38

In 1895, they bought 'The Bell' in Sandy, formerly belonging to George Anstee's Brewery at Eaton Socon. By the late 1890's it was clear that neither family would be able to produce another generation of active partners. It was also clear that the steam brewery in Lurke Street was far too small, as it had since 1890 been carrying the business of two Breweries, the Duck Mill Lane having been sold off in 1889. The site of the future 'Bell' also had not been built on. A large injection for capital was therefore needed and so the decision was made to turn the partnership into a Limited Company called Newland & Nash. On 13th August 1897 the two families conveyed most of their joint property (except that in Pavenham and Stevington) to the new firm.

The report states that there had been a steady and yearly increase in sales since 1890, with 3000 barrels of beer and 1000 gallons of spirits made. The brewing plant had been designed to carry on one business and since 1890, it had carried two. In the past summer they had been unable to brew sufficient beer to meet requirements and the plant needed enlarging with new bottling stores, new cooper's and carpenters shops, and an extension of malting. The report stated that the Brewery had 21 public houses in Bedford alone.

The 'Bell' and the 1900-1902 improvements were certificated by H. Young, Architect of Bedford, who probably drew up the plans. The work on the Brewery was completed by 17th April 1900 at a cost of £1,980, 14s, 8d. In 1898 the 'Bell' was built at Westbourne Road and between 1900 and 1902 new offices and an engine room were built for the Lurke Street Brewery, as well as new stables at the Midland Hotel and rebuilding of the 'Chequers Inn' at Wilden.

Newland & Nash Ltd, Bedford, Fine Old Irish Whiskey Paper Label, BEDFM 1998.105.41

On 24th August 1900 William Pritzler Newland was buried at Kempston.

From 1900 to 1936 Newland & Nash continued as the company Director Richard Summers and Claude E. Clark, the Secretary to the Company, replaced W.P. Newland as the other Director. After Newland's death the property of the Brewery continued to expand, buying 9 public houses and other property during the years 1900 to 1914, including the important 'Greyhound' in Sandy.

The First World War naturally slowed this expansion down with only 4 properties being bought before takeover of Wells and Winch in 1922. For a short while, the Brewery at Lurke Street was mentioned. Soon, however, all brewing was done at Biggleswade and only an office remained to run the Bedford area of Wells and Winch property which included the Higgins Brewery (sold in 1927 to Wells and Winch). The name of Newland and Nash continued to be used until 1936 when full integration with Wells and Winch occurred. A number of properties were added during this time including 'The Swan', Bromham and the 'St. John Arms', Melchbourne.

Thanks to Bedfordshire Archives for their background information – you can find a full description here. 

Written by Lydia Saul, Keeper of Social History

You can read more of our Bedfordshire Breweries series, including Part 1 and Part 2 of the Newland and Nash story here.