Unlocking Stourport's Past

The Vinegar Works


river view of old vinegar works Cheapside view of old vinegar works warehouses
In 1882 the brewery was rebuilt three times bigger with plans to increase brewing capacity five times. it was the oldest brewery in the country and the only business in operation since the early days of Stourport.

It is said that 2000 tons of earth from the levelling of Worcester Castle mound were transported up the river for the brewery site at the mouth of the River Stour, a site on the flood plain. The brewing process required a plentiful supply of water and hence the location.

When you were walking in the area, particularly along the riverside the pungent smell of vinegar really hit you.

Picture supplied by Stourport Civic Society Anna Carter Archive Picture supplied by Stourport Civic Society Anna Carter Archive
  • 1798 " Vinegar Manufactory" set up by Charles Swann and Hicken Bold Swann & Co
  • 1876 Merger with J Tompson & Co, Birmingham
  • 1879 Became The Birmingham Vinegar Brewery Company Incorporated
  • 1898 Became The Birmingham Vinegar Brewery Company Limited ( The names " W D Holbrook & Co" and "Holbrook& Co" were used on products)
  • 1900 Became Holbrooks Ltd (Head Offices: Ashted Row, Birmingham) use of "Swann" and "Tompson" labels ceased
  • 1954 British Vinegars bought up the company Their marketing name was "Sarsons" (origin1794)
  • 1979 Taken over by Nestle (British Head Office Croyden)
  • 2000????? Factory closed down
This page researched by Geoff Neal
This page last updated 17 December 2006

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