I am interested in researching the above family who had their main premises in Leeming Bar near Northallerton from 1868 - 1925. They also had branches in Darlington, Middlesbrough & Durham City from the early to mid 1800`s to their closure in 1925. We intend to publish a book on Bedale and the area later this year, Xmas 2005, and I have developed an interest in this major employer in the area. Founded by Henry Plews in Bedale in 1795 it was run by him and his three sons, Henry, Nathaniel and Thomas until 1850 when it was sold to Henry Plews`s grandson, John Mackay Plews. He became the driving force behind the expansion of the business from 1850 onwards.
Whilst I have some history on the Bedale & Leeming Bar breweries I have very little on the other outlets, other than that gleaned from the cencus`s from 1871 - 1901 and would be pleased to receive any further information, no matter how small, to help expand my knowledge of this family.
At the beginning of the 19th century Mr Nathaniel Plews, brother of Henry, founded the Darlington branch of the brewery and he later added the wine and spirit business. In Darlington they were established in Houndsgate with an extensive frontage on Houndsgate and Arden Street and occupied an acre or so of ground. In 1895 it is said they were one of the oldest firms in Darlington and one of the most extensive of its kind in the district. The malting premises were known as the "North of England Maltings" and located in Neasham Road in Darlington and occupied over 7 acres. At some point the business possibly merged with another Darlington brewer?
In later years I suspect Nathaniel possibly became a Banker and was also involved with the York, Newcastle and Berwick Railways and also a director of the North Eastern Railway Co. He is recorded as residing in Paradise Row. Nathaniel I believe died in 1859. I have no other information on him pre 1871 cencus other than this already mentioned. I am sure he was obviously a prominent businessman in Darlington and would appreciate any information. Thomas R M Plews aged 36 in the 1871 cencus and noted as Wine Merchant is another family member.
The Middlesbrough premises were opened in 1869, its offices and cellars situated beneath the Royal Exchange until 1874 when it was transferred to newly built premises in Lower Gosford Street occupying an acre and included Cleveland House
used as offices. Cleveland House was previously owned as a private residence by Mr Bocklow and later his business partner Mr Vaughan the founders of the Iron trade in Middlesbrough. The Middlesbrough branch, was unusually, not managed by a member of the Plews family but by a Mr William Hawksley who had been with the firm for some 34 years in 1889.
The Durham business was established in 1875 and whilst not as important as the other locations still played a part in its expansion in the North East. This outlet was managed by a Mr G S Shaw who had been employed by the Plews family for over 19 years in 1889. The business was established in an old building that was in ancient times was occupied by the Earl of Strathmore. A picture of it shows it as being of three floors with the first floor having two fine bay windows. Quite an unusual feature in the middle floor of the property and possibly making it identifiable today if still standing.
The family supplied innkeepers, private trade and also supplied their own tied house in the Leeming Bar, Darlington, Middlesbrough and Durham areas.
I would be delighted in anyone can throw any light on or provide any further information on this Brewing Dynasty who traded for over 130 years in the North East.
Mike Scanlan
