IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Golden Hill, TAUNTON, TA4 2NY

These were built in 1897, according to http://www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/Forms/WAMTI_Strategy.pdf . "A brewery set up to supply local, free trade. The early market was local farm labourers and woollen workers. The business began in 1806, though perhaps at the top of the High Street. The Golden Hill Brewery and Malthouse was built in 1807. Enlarged 1830. By 1875 the brewery was described as the largest in the west of England. The firm became a private limited company in 1896. An aerated water factory was built in 1900-1. A cider factory was established on Golden Hill in 1917. By 1927 the firm amalgamated with S. W. Arnold and Sons Ltd of Rowbarton, Taunton. Brewing ceased in 1959. The plant was sold or salvaged in 1960 and the premises disposed of. The cider factory was demolished in 1969 after a fire" http://webapp1.somerset.gov.uk/her/details.asp?prn=43787 . Curiously, there is no description of this striking chimney or the structure beside it in the listed building details; both dominate this part of the town.

Looking from the public footpath which passes the Old Brewery, meeting Golden Hill at roughly the spot from where Image

A reference to its environmental credentials, rather than its use to grow vegetables. The old brewery chimney remains part of the landscape, recalling the major role in the town's employment.

Some of the old structures had been demolished but others have been given a new lease of life. Note how the new windows and some blockwork have been incorporated around the black iron pillar and beams. Regarding the pillar, it bears the maker's label of George Adlam and Sons, Bristol. They were an iron, brass and copper founders based in Narrow Weir and Fishponds from 1800. They specialised in machinery and fittings for breweries and chocolate manufacturers, and later added an Admiralty contract too.

It was in this street that Hancock’s Brewery was established in 1807. 18th century clothiers, whose water-powered fulling mills on nearby streams have long gone, once lived here

William Hancock introduced brewing to Wiveliscombe in 1807. He established a large site on Golden Hill and was a major employer in the time. Although the site is now used for other businesses and no beer is made here, the chimney is still part of the townscape.

On the left, the small cul-de-sac of Wyndhams seems to be constructed on the site of a malthouse. The junction is at the point where Silver Street becomes Golden Hill (right).

Wiveliscombe brewery centre.