Dear Jeff,
This subject happens to have come up already, because of the Brewery History Society’s walk last Saturday. I pointed out that the large Phoenix Brewery stood in Stoney Lane in the 19th century. All the sources I have seen name it as the property of Barclay and Perkins. This is a surprise, because Stoney Lane is fairly close to Courage’s by Tower Bridge, but is well away from Park Street. In the absence of further information, I have assumed that Barclay and Perkins took over a brewery that had been founded by someone else. Careful checking last week in various directories and on early maps failed to find the name of an earlier proprietor, although in the end I am sure that this will emerge. Your correspondent’s reference to the Waterman family may provide a helpful clue.

It is astonishing to find Barclay and Perkins running another large brewery so close to their original one, when you take into account the proximity of Courage’s Anchor Brewhouse, plus Noakes & Co.’s Black Eagle Brewery only a little to the south, plus William Holcombe’s Black Horse Brewery on part of the present site of Guy’s Hospital and, last but perhaps not least, an obscure establishment in Weston Street known as the Public Porter Brewhouse, whose building of 1809 was grand enough to boast a named architect [one T. Hatton]. If I find any more, I will let you know.

The library’s move back to 211 Borough High Street takes place next Monday. Re-opening to the public is scheduled for March 22nd.

With best wishes,
Stephen.