Benjamin Truman
Sir Benjamin Truman | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1699/1700 |
| Died | 1780-03-20 |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, brewer |
| Known for | Development of the Truman Brewery in Brick Lane, London |
Sir Benjamin Truman (1699/1700 – 20 March 1780) was a notable English businessman and brewer who significantly developed the Truman Brewery located in Brick Lane, east London.
Biography
The brewing tradition was passed down to Truman from his father and grandfather, both named Joseph Truman. The elder Joseph purchased the Lolsworth Field brewery in 1694 and later formed a partnership with his son before his death in 1719. Benjamin became involved in the enterprise in 1722, quickly establishing himself as a skilled entrepreneur:
- "In August 1737, after the birth of the Duchess of Brunswick, the Prince of Wales's household rejected their usual beer due to poor quality. Truman provided a superior brew the following evening, which greatly enhanced his standing."
During Truman’s tenure, the Black Eagle brewery expanded considerably in both scale and profitability. He divided his time between managing operations at the Directors' House and living at Popes in Hertfordshire.
In recognition of his financial contributions to wartime efforts, Truman was knighted by King George III in 1760. His social status was further immortalized through portraits by artists George Romney and Thomas Gainsborough, with Gainsborough’s work displayed at the Tate Gallery since 1978.
At his passing in 1780, Truman left behind a daughter, Frances, who married Henry Read. The business later involved his grandsons William Truman Read and General Henry Read, succeeded by great-grandsons John Freeman Villebois and Henry Villebois who eventually took over leadership.
Truman was interred at St Mary's in Hertingfordbury, alongside his wife Frances (daughter of James Winstanley) and James Truman Esq. Among his descendants was New Zealand artist Sophia Augusta Moore.
Trivia
Until the 1970s, Truman’s likeness appeared on beer packaging and promotional materials, depicting him as a cheerful man with a peg leg accompanied by the slogan “There’s more hops in Ben Truman.”