The village's new market

Image: © Neil Owen Taken: 4 Nov 2016

Rode has a long history in milling, helped by the River Frome. However, brewing was a growing business and the local Fussell family made a number of important contributions. Henry acquired the Cross Keys Inn in 1857 - which included a brewhouse. Sidney Fussell took over sole ownership and, with his sons, spearheaded the development of this new brewery in the early 1900s. Percy, Sidney's eldest son enlarged the operation in 1935, which brought a second brick chimney to the skyline. Fussells sold out to Bass, Mitchell and Butler in 1962; the brewing ceased but the premises were held merely as a depot until 1992. Then the site shut completely and was largely demolished to make way for housing, but some of the original brickwork was retained and is also residential now.

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