Mr. George Young
Aerated Water Manufacture
Chantry Wells
Morpeth
George Young started his business in 1872 at Bridge Street, Morpeth, and acquired new premises in Chantry Wells some 13 years later in 1885. Chantry Wells was an excellent place of business and adapted for his purposes. He devoted great attention to improving and developing the manufacture in which he was engaged.
The office and works consisted of a two-storey building at Chantry Wells the ground floor of which was devoted to the factory. It was equipped with splendid modern machinery for the manufacture of aerated and other drinks.
There was a bountiful supply of water on the premises obtained from an artesian well, the spring flowing to the surface from a depth of 186 feet. A connection was made between the well and in the early days a drinking fountain was erected in the street for public use. The water was of the highest standard of purity.
There was an engine, boiler, and a complete plant for turning out goods of the highest quality. The floor above was chiefly used as a store-room for syrups and other ingredients, and a large supply of these commodities were kept there.
In the yard, which adjoined the works, were stables, sheds, etc, and the place was very efficient in itself.
George Young produced all kinds of aerated waters, and was known throughout the district and afar for the superior quality of his manufactures. Mr. Young was also closely linked to public affairs of the town of Morpeth, and was a town councillor and also held the position of Mayor of Morpeth.
Albert M. Loades
The New Brewery
Morpeth
This brewery was established in the mid 19th century. We then find it up for sale in1860. In 1861 John Dixon Laws, a Ponteland brewer, "was about to enter upon extensive premises in Morpeth, known as the New Brewery." He may have been employed as a brewer because Thomas Jobling was listed in 1857 as T. Jobling & Co., along with Laws in 1864.In the late 1860's Jobling finally retired.
William Loades who was previously a traveller for a wine and spirit merchant took over the business with his son, and not being a brewer retained the services of Jobling's staff to assist him in his venture. The business was then known as Messrs Wm Loades & Son. Sadly William Loades died in 1871 and the business was dissolved. Albert Mears Loades then became sole proprietor.
Albert Loades finally retired from the business and died at the age of 73 in 1908.
The New Brewery was a large and substantial structure of three and two storeys, and was built especially for the purposes of which it was devoted. It was designed and fitted for the economical production of the finest class of beverages; the plant and arrangements throughout being well up to date with every modern improvement.
By using the best malt and hops and excellent water, the production was maintained at a uniform level of excellence, and was popular with local consumers so well that the New Brewery enjoyed good trade.
Bitter Burton, and mild ales were the chief beverages turned out, the "mild" deservedly commanding a popularity of an exceptional character on account of its purity, flavour, and general excellence, with all classes of buyers.
The brewing was carried out under the direction of an experienced brewer, every care and attention being given to every process of the operations; while absolute cleanliness in both utensils and premises was assured throughout the place.
In regard to water, the New Brewery was particularly well off, as the supply was derived from a well on the premises, and was pronounced by analytical experts as being perfectly pure and most suitable for brewing purposes. In fact it was of the same quality as that supplied to the town of Morpeth from a bore-hole in the Market Place.
Adjoining the brewery were the wholesale wine and spirit stores, where a large and superior stock of Scotch and Irish distillations, and wines of all descriptions, brandy, rum, gin, etc were kept to supply the trade. This department had good bottling accommodation, and shared the high repute attached to the Brewery.
Mr. Loades gave his personal attention to the general management of the whole concern. He enjoyed an influential position in trade circles, and was very popular as a successful caterer in the matter of beverages for the general community of the town of Morpeth and the nearby districts.
Initiated in 1859, he had been the longest surviving freemason in the Lodge De Ogle.
John Anderson of the Hope & Anchor Brewery then took over the buildings. A report in 1900 gave J. A. Anderson as the buyer of the Fox & Hounds and Brewery.
Loades Brewery was finally demolished in 1937.
F. E. Schofield
Dispensing Chemist
Morpeth
The business of F. E. Schofield, Dispensing Chemist, Morpeth, was founded as far back as 1838 by Alderman Hood, when the dispensing of medicines was far less satisfactory than what is now. The business was acquired by Mr. Schofield, who had the finest of training at one of the best London schools.
The premises were large and double-fronted, and were arranged inside with every convenience, seven warehouses being built to contribute to meet varied requirements.
A large stock of pure chemicals and drugs was held and from these Mr. Schofield dispensed medicines according to physicians' prescriptions and family recipes, with expert accuracy.
The general stock included practically everything that could be found in a first class chemist's business. There was a good selection of horse, cattle, dog, and poultry medicines and farmers requisites.
Mr. Schofield was well-known throughout the length and breadth of Northumberland. For many years he was a highly successful breeder and exhibitor of both poultry and dogs, and was often called upon to officiate as judge at large shows. His advice was often sought from all parts of Northumberland by fanciers solicitous for the welfare of their pets.
All stock was bought by Mr. Schofield for cash in the best markets, and sold on a small profit, large return principle.
For many years Mr. Schofield had been a trusted servant of the people in various public offices. He served as Mayor of Morpeth in 1889-90, with much satisfaction, and only resigned his seat on the council after 11 years service owing to his increased business engagements.