Michael Thomas Bass (1760–1827)
Michael Thomas Bass | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1760-07-23 Burton-on-Trent, England |
| Died | 1827-03-09 |
| Occupation | Brewer |
| Known for | Expansion of the Bass brewery |
Michael Thomas Bass (23 July 1760 – 9 March 1827) was an English brewer from Burton-on-Trent who played a crucial role in the expansion of the Bass company.
Biography
Michael Bass was the son of William Bass, a carrier originating from Leicestershire who established the brewery in 1777. Upon his father's passing in 1787, Michael and his brother William jointly managed the business until Michael took full control in 1795. He extended the brewery’s reach by exporting products to Russia and northern Germany through the River Trent and Hull.
He significantly developed the brewery’s scale, setting a foundation for its later achievements. In collaboration with John Ratcliff, he constructed a second brewery facility in Burton in 1799. After the Napoleonic blockade, Bass was among the Burton brewers who began crafting and exporting India Pale Ale (IPA), aiming at emerging international markets.
Michael Bass married Sarah Hoskins, daughter of Abraham Hoskins from Burton and Newton Solney. Sarah’s family held considerable local prominence; her great-grandfather, George Hayne, was instrumental in establishing the Trent Navigation.
Bass passed away at age 66. His eldest son, Michael Thomas Bass, took over management of the brewery and represented Derby as a Member of Parliament for more than three decades. His third son, Abraham Bass, gained recognition as an important cricketer, often referred to as the 'father of Midlands cricket'.