The Brewery History Society

Books

ABC: A BREWERS' COMPENDIUM - A Directory of Buckinghamshire Brewers.

Or email books@breweryhistory.com for further information.

ABC: A BREWERS' COMPENDIUM - A Directory of Buckinghamshire Brewers focuses on the period from 1750 onwards and is based on extensive research at the County Records Office. In particular it uses the Allied Brewery papers, especially those of ABC, which were placed there by the Brewery History Society, and of course the papers which came from Whitbread (Wethered).

The introduction gives an overview of brewing, as it relates to the county, as well as providing a glossary of some of the technical terms used in brewing. The book highlights the well-known firms which survived into the 20th Century, such as ABC, Chesham and Brackley and of course the much missed Wethereds. Information is also given on other less well-known concerns such as Hipwells, Roberts & Wilson, Wells and Wheelers. In several cases the research has traced the origins back further than previously thought eg 1600 at Amersham, 1607 at Marlow and 1653 at High Wycombe.

The Directory identifies the 200 or so pubs in Buckinghamshire which are known to have brewed, including the Bell at Winslow, which continued until just after the First World War. Some 114 villages and towns are covered. Photographs of remaining brewery sites at Amersham, Buckingham and Rowsham, as well as the more obvious one of Marlow, are of particular value for those with an interest in the built heritage of the county.

The Directory also includes the new micros which have started in the county ie Chiltern, Rebellion and Vale, with details of their production and products.

The book is some 208 pages, with full index and black and white illustrations. It is in the standard format of A4 size bound in laminated covers. It retails at £12.50 and is available by post from the BHS.