Ridley's was founded in 1842, and was located in Hartford End, Essex. In August 2002 the company bought out the Tolly Cobbold brewery. Then, in 2005 Ridley's was bought by Greene King closing its operations at Hartford End and Braintree. Ridley's Old Bob and a small number of other beers continues to be produced by Greene King at Bury St. Edmunds.

The original Ridley's brewery is listed separately.