Driven in the first ever Gala in 1937, the theme of this float was ‘Ancient and Modern’. The driver is probably Ted Boakes.
Reference: WH0185
The Albion dray shown in the procession in 1953 was newly purchased by Bushell Watkins and Smith in 1951. Don Adams worked for the brewery as a driver “…I went all over the place for them, and it was one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. We covered a huge area, If you started at ...
Reference: WH0245
A painting dated 1920 from local artist and photographer Frederick Benson exists and is captioned ‘The first brewery built in Westerham 1730’. Acceptance of this date seems to have been based on the fact that it was carved into a keystone forming part of a building which was then in use as a boilerhouse. Bottle labels ...
Reference: WH0210
This is an example of keeping all facets of an industry local – the beer bottle labels were printed by Hooker Bros. at the ‘Herald Steam Printing Works’ in the High Street.
Reference: WH0241
The Black Eagle Brewery and Brewery House can be seen in the centre at the bottom of this photograph. Curiously, it looks like the brewery building has snow on the roof, but this was not the case, its actually whitewash! Young apprentice boys were sent up to whitewash the roof in the summer to keep ...
Reference: WH0257
Brewery House provided living accommodation for Ben Bushell and office accommodation for senior managers.
Reference: WH0211
The 1899 frontage of the Black Eagle Brewery offices incorporates the name of Ind Coope above the doorway. When the brewery ceased brewing, Ind Coope used the buildings as a bottling plant.
Reference: WH0212
There was a door from the brewery that went into the garden of the brewer’s house ‘Spring Ardens’ next to the General Wolfe Pub
Reference: WH0219
The location is Costells meadow and the driver of the lorry is Ted Boakes. Does anyone know what the theme was?
Reference: WH0690
The only person identified in this photograph is Reginald Ellis Bushell (nephew of Benjamin Bushell) at the back on the right wearing a trilby hat.
Reference: WH0213
Back row all unknown Middle row Reginald Ellis Bushell, unknown, Topper Richardson, Bill Sales Front row unknown, Bill Richardson, Bernard Chilman, Frank Cosgrove
Reference: WH0214
Some people have been identified (20 Feb 2018) Back row unknown, Thomas Rushson, 2x unknown, Tom Webb, Reginald Bushell Middle row Fred Anscombe, Frank Cosgrove, unknown, Peter Richardson Front row Bill ‘Beazle’ Richardson, Bernard Chilman, Benny Barnes
Reference: WH0215
Back row L-R Bill Sales, Eddie Purslow, Sid Williams, Bill Coscrow, Reginald Ellis Bushell Middle row Jack Funnell, Tom Webb, Thomas Rushson, Peter Richardson, Fred Anscombe, Topper Richardson Front row Frank Cosgrove, Joe Miles, Bill ‘Beazle’ Richardson, Benny Barnes, Bill Godfrey
Reference: WH0244
Bushell, Watkins & Smith Ltd. went into voluntary liquidation on July 19 1961. The Black Eagle Brewery and ninety seven licensed houses were conveyed to Ind Coope (London) Ltd on October 1st 1962. Brewing at the Black Eagle continued until March 3rd 1965, when head brewer Bill Wickett mashed three barrels of a special bitter ...
Reference: WH0216
In the Coronation year of Queen Elizabeth II, a smart new ‘Taylor Walker’ lorry from the Black Eagle brewery makes its way through Market Square. We are informed ‘Beer is Best’, but it is impossible to see what the theme of the float was.
Reference: WH0697
