Foxearth, Essex

Foxearth is an ancient settlement in North Essex, and was, until the mid-nineteenth century, a typical agricultural village. The village was transformed by wealthy vicar, Rev. John Foster. In order to loosen the grip of the farmers on the community Foster fundeda brewery in the village in 1878 to provide alternative employment. The brewery was run by three generations of the Ward family. Under the Wards' influence the village was rebuilt in red brick, with flint walls, with the brewery providing employment. It was one of the pioneers in the production of bottled beers and also produced several non-alcoholic bottled drinks. The brewery was sold to Taylor Walker & Co in 1957, and the last brew of 62 barrels of Small Best Bitter Ale was made on 19 February the following year. Although the brewery was bought back in a reverse takeover bid in 1960, it was sold again by the Ward family in 1963 to Charrington United Breweries. The brewery site was sold in 1988 with the final demolition of the building begun in the 1990s. It is now a housing estate.