John Brown (brewer)
John Brown | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Okeford Fitzpaine, Dorset, England |
| Died | October 23, 1890 (aged 94) |
| Occupation(s) | Brewer, publican, farmer, wine and spirits trader |
| Years active | 1826–1890 |
| Known for | Operating a brewery and establishing pubs in Tring, Hertfordshire; founder of the Tring Steeplechase |
John Brown (31 December 1795 – 23 October 1890) was a brewer who operated in Tring, Hertfordshire. Originally hailing from Okeford Fitzpaine, Dorset, he moved to Tring in 1826. His brewing enterprise was situated on Tring High Street, and during a time when the railway's introduction stimulated commerce, he established several local pubs. (This brewery should not be confused with the present-day Tring Brewery.)
Arrival of the railway
In the 1830s, the London and Birmingham Railway constructed a route near Tring, which included excavating a 4 km-long cutting through chalk hills reaching 12 meters deep between 1834 and 1837. This extensive engineering endeavor employed numerous navvies, whose presence increased demand for brewery products, benefiting John Brown’s operations.
Throughout this period, Brown developed several pubs featuring unique architectural styles, such as the Britannia (now known as Norfolk House) and the King's Arms. The King's Arms was positioned outside the town centre, reflecting Brown’s anticipation of urban growth spurred by the railway—though this expansion did not occur as expected. Another venue close to the railway station, initially called the Harcourt Arms after the Pendley Manor proprietors, was constructed in 1838 under an arrangement with the railway company and later renamed the Royal Hotel.
By 1851, Brown had expanded his activities to include farming and trading in wine and spirits alongside brewing; by 1881, his brewery employed nine workers.
Closure of the family brewery
In his later years, management of the brewery passed to John’s son, John Herbert Brown, who together with his brother Frederick William assumed control following John’s passing in 1890. After John Herbert died in 1896, Frederick William sold both the brewery and nine freehold pubs to Locke and Smith of Berkhamsted in 1898.
A stained glass window in Tring parish church honors John Brown and his brother William Brown, founders of a local land agency.
Equestrian pursuits
A passionate horseman, John Brown founded the Tring Steeplechase in 1844 and owned one of the horses competing in its first event. The race attracted prominent sports enthusiasts like Baron Rothschild, who gathered at the Harcourt Arms—hosted by Brown—both before and after the competition.