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PR AND COPYWRITING

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Memories of Hayle's Ellis Brewery sought

4 One of the best-known names in Cornwall’s brewing history is to be given a new lease of life with a major research project commissioned by a descendent of its owners. Devoran resident Paul Stephens is delving deep into the history of the Ellis family nearly two centuries after they began business in Hayle.

Mr Stephens has commissioned a professional researcher to write an article for submission to the Journal of The Royal Institution of Cornwall, owners and managers of the Royal Cornwall Museum and Courtney Library. He is also inviting contributions from Hayle residents with memories or knowledge of the brewery.

Mr Stephens is the great grandson of Christopher Ellis, the last owner of the Hayle brewery, of Christopher Ellis and Sons Ltd.

The Ellis family were in business in Hayle from the time of the 18th century copper boom, as timber and general merchants, and had business and family relationships with both the Cornish Copper Company and Harveys of Hayle.

l An artist’s impression of activity at the Ellis family’s Hayle brewery in the early 20th century. The painting was commissioned by Paul Stephens from Ken Symonds, a former chairman of the Newlyn Society. Click the image for a larger version.

It is thought likely that the family acquired an existing Hayle brewery – in an era when many public houses had their own brewery - and this merged in 1934 with Walter Hicks and Co Ltd to form the present day St Austell Brewery.

Mr Stephens has held the surviving family brewing records since the 1970s and is now circulating current family members to see what things they have – from photographs through to the original brass plate on the outside of the brewery office.

“The brewery buildings still largely survive, although St Austell has closed them this year,” said Mr Stephens. “Hayle is in the process of a major regeneration and building preservation programme, with the benefit of European funding, and so I am hoping that there is a long life yet for these buildings!”

l Anyone able to contribute to the research is invited to write to Mr Stephens’ office at The Old Chapel, Greenbottom, Truro, TR4 8QP.

October 1, 2006