A story that’s been brewing for some time
Immortalised in the name of one of Fuller’s famous ales, 1845 is a year that will forever be synonymous with Fuller, Smith & Turner. It was then that the partnership papers between the three families were officially signed, marking the start of something very special for London’s pub and beer scene.
However, the Fuller’s story had been brewing long before then.
Beer and pub have played a role in this part of the capital for more than 350 years, dating back to the era of Oliver Cromwell. Back then, pubs were plentiful in number and, in addition, it was quite common for large households to brew their own beer.
In the late 1600s, one such private brewhouse was in the gardens of Bedford House on Chiswick Mall. Another, a far humbler concern, was operating nearby at the cottage of Thomas Urlin.
When Urlin died, the property passed to his widow and son-in-law, a gentleman named Thomas Mawson, who stepped in to take up the reigns as manager. It was he who laid the foundations for a major brewing enterprise – buying The George public house and two adjoining cottages for £70, then later snapping up the brewhouse on Bedford House too.
Thomas Mawson is still honoured today through The Mawson Arms, the pub located at the original brewery site.
