Morrell's Brewing Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Brewery |
| Founded | 1782 |
| Founder | Richard Tawney |
| Defunct | 1998 |
| Fate | Closed; beer brands acquired by Refresh UK |
| Headquarters | Oxford , England, United Kingdom |
| Products | Beer |
Morrell's Brewing Company, commonly referred to as the Lion Brewery after its main facility, was the foremost brewery in Oxford, operating continuously from 1782 until its closure in 1998.
Origins
The brewery traces its roots back to 1743 when Richard Tawney (1684–1756), who had been a boat master near St Thomas' Street, Oxford, established it. The Lion Brewery remained within the Tawney family until 1797, when Edward Tawney entered into a partnership with Mark and James Morrell. James Morrell (1773–1855) eventually became the sole proprietor, followed by his son James Morrell (1810–1863). After their passing in 1863 and 1864, control of the company transferred to their daughter Emily Morrell, who held ownership through trustees.
Operational period
Production took place at the Lion Brewery located on St Thomas Street, which saw several expansions during the late nineteenth century. These developments included additional sheds, office buildings, stables, and an architecturally notable octagonal chimney designed by Harry Drinkwater, a local architect responsible for designing multiple pubs affiliated with the company.
The brewery’s operations were powered by a waterwheel situated on Castle Mill Stream, complemented by steam engines housed in a dedicated engine facility. A rotative beam engine installed around 1826 remained in service until 1964 and is currently preserved at Leicester’s Abbey Pumping Station.
The Morrell family lived at Headington Hill Hall and owned extensive estates in the area, including South Park and the village of Streatley in Berkshire. Philip Morrell (1870–1943), a prominent family member, served as a Liberal Member of Parliament from 1906 to 1918. The family also influenced local urban development; notably, Morrell Avenue was constructed along South Park’s southern boundary between 1929 and 1931. Following Emily Morrell’s death in 1938, the Streatley estate was sold.
End of operations
The brewery ceased operations in 1998 after a protracted family dispute. Refresh UK acquired the rights to the beer brands and arranged for Thomas Hardy Burtonwood to produce them on an interim basis. In 2008, Marston's acquired Refresh UK and continues to brew Morrells beers today.
Michael Cannon, owner of the American hamburger chain Fuddruckers, purchased Morrell's portfolio of 132 tied pubs through Morrells of Oxford for £48 million. In 2002, Cannon sold 107 of these pubs to Greene King for £67 million.
In 2002, the Lion Brewery premises were transformed into high-end residential apartments. While the waterwheel and distinctive yellow brick chimney were retained, most other structures were reduced to their original façades.