I am indebted to the very kind assistance
and loan of photographs by Professor Robert Turner FSA, great grandson of
James Henry Lockley, which has greatly enhanced the content of the Lockley
page. Some of the photos I have colorized with photoshop AI filters.
Robert writes of his great grandfather "He like so many Victorian
entrepreneurs started with very little but through his own efforts became
a very successful man.
I went to school at Clifton College and when cycling round Bristol always
noted the many United Brewery pubs - and had the occasional pint of mild
and bitter which was my limit in those days.
When JHL retired he built himself a huge house - Heale House, Littleham ,
Bideford where as a young Army officer I stayed in the 1960s with the
family who had bought the house in 1930’s and the youngest daughter and I
became close friends - she still lives in the stables of the house and we
correspond though we are both in our 80’s. I am a reasonably healthy 87
year old.
I eventually became a judge in the High Court and the Queen’s Remembrancer
but I have only been back to the house once since then. However I
have an oil painting of Robert Lockley , the father of JHL, looking down
on me - he is shown standing by one of the Nails in the Bristol Exchange.
As I said above, as a West Country man ( the Turners were Cornish farmers
since 1550,) I would be delighted to add further details about the life of
this very successful Bristol brewer.
James Henry Lockley was born in 1833, baptised 30 June at Bristol Holy Trinity, son of Robert Lockley, an auctioneer of Gloucester Lane, and Mary Highman of the King David Inn.
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Robert Lockley at the "Nails" with his bulldog - photo by kind permission of Prof. Robert Turner. An old postcard of the Three Horse Shoes on the Weir.
James Henry was not the first son of the couple. A previous son also called James had died on 18 February 1833, age just 3 years, and James Henry was born not long after. From around 1837-1839 Robert Lockley was landlord of the Three Horse Shoes, on the corner of Haberfield Road and Victoria Street, near Ellbroad Street, as well as being an auctioneer. In 1828 that pub fronted onto the soon-to-be-culverted River Frome. Robert died in 1855 at their home "The Crown" public house at 17 Lamb Street, St. Philip & Jacob's. After Robert died, Mary, his widow ran the Crown alternating with son James who was running it by 1857 when his mother returned to running the King David.
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James married Eliza Woodward Organ, daughter of William Brewer Organ, the Keeper of Lawford's Gate Gaol, at Holy Trinity, St. Philip's, on 23 Sept. 1857. James was a licensed victualler at the Crown at the time of his marriage.
From the Bristol Daily Post - Monday 13 February 1860 page 2: "At the special session for transfer of licenses, last week, all the applications were acceded to; and amongst others, that of the Mermaid, Lewin's mead, was transferred from its late conductor, Mr. Richard Smith, to the new landlord, Mr. Lockley. The magistrates took occasion to congratulate Mr. Smith on the admirable manner in which he had conducted his house—reclaiming it from amongst the lowest in the city, and making it one of the most respectable. They also congratulated the ex-host on his having retired with a competence, and said they cordially hoped that he would enjoy it.
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From the Bristol Daily Post - Thursday 27 December 1860 page 3: "MERMAID CHRISTMAS SPREAD. Amongst the notabilities of the season, the Christmas spread of "mine host" of the Mermaid, Lewin's Mead, has always held a place. Mr. Richard Smith, during his long management of that well-known tavern, brought it up to a point of importance and profuseness which probably had never been previously attained by the conductor of any similar establishment, and, judging by the display which yesterday greeted the eyes and palates of visitors to the house, his mantle has fallen on the shoulders of his successor, Mr. James Lockley. The spirit in which the feast was proffered to the patrons of the house will probably be best gathered from the following poetic effusion with which "mine host" greeted his patrons, and which was inscribed on a tablet in the bar-parlour:—
It was my predecessor's custom here
To crown his board with good old Christmas cheer!
Can I do better than pursue his plan—
The good example of so good a man?
Accept, then, friends, my primal invitation,
Dictated by a warm heart's Inspiration.
Many, I trust, will be our annual meetings,
Our friendly gath'rings and our friendly greetings:
And now I wish to all, with prayer sincere,
A merry CHRISTMAS, and a glad NEW YEAR.
Mr. Lockley had in his arrangements closely followed the plan of his predecessor. The bar parlour was handsomely decked with evergreens, flowers, bannerets, imitative statuary, and other ornaments, while its tables literally groaned beneath the weight of some half-dozen prodigious rounds of beef, several fowls, capon, hams, cheeses, &c. On casting his eye upwards, the visitor saw through the glass dome that the feast was not circumscribed by the limits of a single room, for there met his gaze a tempting display beef, mutton, and game, tastefully arranged and decorated with holly, laurel, &c. Mr. Lockley provided for his customers sixteen splendid rounds of beef, the aggregate weight of which amounted to nearly 2400lb., together with six hares, several fowls and capon, cheeses, &c., and a proportionate complement of bread and pickles. Several of the rounds weighed as much as 160 lb. each. Mr. Lane, of Milk-street, supplied ten of the prodigious joints, from fine oxen bred and grazed by Messrs. Keel, of Cheddar; H. Ward, of Keynsham ; and Messrs. Chappell, Somerset. Four supplied by Mrs. Nutt, Stokes Croft, were from oxen fed by Mr. Griffin, of Clevedon, and Mr. Bisden, of Worle; while two rounds, furnished by Mr. Penfold, of Christmas-street, were from a splendid short-horn ox, bred and grazed by Mr., Alderman Proctor, at Wall's Court, Stapleton.
James's mother Mary died on 7 march 1869 at the residence of her daughter, at 4 Brunswick Square, age 59, much beloved.
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Seated left is James's grandmother Kezia Stringer (1787-1890), behind James is daughter Kate (1861-1895)
and mother of the year old little boy on his father's knee (Apothecary husband George Thomas Turner (1853-1907)
The young lad is James Lockley-Turner (1889-1954) father of Prof. Robert. Seated behind James is his wife Eliza (1832-1925).
In September 1879 the "Old Museum" buildings on College Green, Park Street were up for let, following the death of their previous occupant, William Henry Cates, who had died the 21 July that year. Cates, a wine merchant formerly of Clare Street, had only moved there in May 1879. Cates was likely related to James Lockley via his mother and the Highman family at the King David Inn. At any rate, Lockley & Co., Wine & Spirit Merchants moved into the premises, which had spacious cellarage and 2 offices, shortly afterwards from their previous premises at St. John's Bridge. The premises was actually owned by F. J. Lane & Co., another Bristol wine merchant. Fred Lane was a nephew of Lockley.
On 10 January 1883, the license of the Mermaid Tavern in Lewin's Mead was transferred from James Henry Lockley to John William Morse.
BRISTOL UNITED BREWERIES LTD. In 1889
the Lewin's Mead Brewery merged with other breweries in the City to form
the Bristol United Breweries Limited:—
From the Western Daily Press - Saturday 27 July 1889 page 6: "The
prospectus of the Bristol United Breweries, Limited, is issued, the share
capital being £250,000, and the debenture stock, £125,000. At present,
subscriptions are invited for £90,000 in debentures, the same amount in
six per cent. preference shares, and a like sum in ordinary shares. This
company has been formed in order to amalgamate and extend the following
well-known Bristol breweries, viz., those of Messrs Bowley and Bristow,
St. Paul's Brewery, Bristol; Bishop and Butt, Limited, Redcliff
Mead Brewery, Bristol; Messrs J. H. Lockley and Son, Lewin's Mead
Brewery, Bristol; Messrs M. Reynolds and Co., Imperial Brewery,
Bedminster, Bristol. It is proposed to work the combined businesses
eventually from the St. Paul's Brewery and the Lewin's Mead Brewery, the
capacities of which are amply sufficient, not only for the present output
of the four breweries, but also to meet the requirements of a largely
increased trade. The price be paid for the four businesses is £250,722.
The trade of the several concerns is well established and remunerative.
The business of Messrs Bowley and Bristow has been founded for many years,
and consists chiefly in the production of vatted beer and stout of a high
reputation. The trade of Bishop and Butt, Limited, noted for its old
beers, has been well maintained; that of Messrs J. H. Lockley and Son is
of a progressive character; and though the volume of the trade of Messrs
M. Reynolds and Co. is not so large as that of the other concerns, the
beers are in good demand. The directors regard the future of the company
with confidence. The business will carried on upon an extended basis, and
its success will not be dependent upon one class of trade alone; for, as
well supplying strong beer, pale and mild ales, and stout, the company
will be in a position to supply light bitter and other ales for family
consumption. In addition to the brewery premises and other properties
belonging to the four businesses, the company will acquire 46 licensed
houses, also an interest in 20 houses as lessees for various terms of
years; and the loan obligations of the proprietors of a number of other
houses. The company have also agreed to purchase 16 additional houses thus
increasing the number of licensed houses owned by or leased to them to
82."
After a major fire in 1925 at the Oakhill Brewery Company Limited, Ashwick, Somerset, they were taken over by Bristol United Breweries. They had been established 1767 and by 1791 they were owned by Jordan and Billingsley. In 1811 they were owned by W. P. Jillard and later by the Spencer family. They were incorporated in 1889 as Oakhill Brewery Co. Ltd.
In 1926 Bristol United Breweries acquired Dunlop, Mackie & Co., Bristol Wine & Spirit, Ale & Porter Merchants.
In 1937 Bristol United Breweries acquired the Charlton Brewery Company of Shepton Mallet, Somerset. They were established in 1844 by Francis Berryman, later of Bide and Berryman. In 1866 Charles R. Burnell replaced William Bide. From 1884 the company was known as Berryman, Burnell and Co., they were incorporated in 1886, the name was changed to Charlton Brewery Co Ltd. in May 1904, and as a result then by Courage, Barclay and Simonds 1961. They ceased to brew 1961 and were in voluntary liquidation 1963. (Ref: London Metropolitan Archives, ACC/2305/70.)
Bristol United Breweries Ltd. were acquired by Bristol Brewery, Georges & Co. in April 1956: "Bristol Brewery Georges and Co.—Group profit subject to audit for the year ended September 30, 1956 £308,375 (£266,305), after tax of £457,817 (£346,997). As previously announced second interim dividend of 10%, free of tax, in lieu of final, making 14% for the year (same). The figures for the year to September 30, 1956 include six months' trading of Bristol United Breweries which was acquired with effect from April 1, 1956." Quote from the Birmingham Daily Post - Saturday 5 January 1957 page 6.
Finally in 1961, Bristol Brewery, Georges & Co. Ltd. were taken over by Courage, Barclay & Simonds Ltd. Bristol United Breweries were officially dissolved in 1962.
23 November 1894, Kate, the beloved wife of G. T. Turner, and only surviving child of James Henry Lockley of Heale House, Littleham, died at Lynne, Osbourne Road, Clifton, age 33.
James Henry Lockley died at Heale House on 14 October 1907. His widow Eliza survived to an age of 94, she died at Eastfield House, Westbury-upon-Trym, on 22 July 1925.
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From the North Devon Gazette -
Tuesday 22 October 1907 page 5: "DEATH OF MR. J. H. LOCKLEY, OF
LITTLEHAM. A Prominent Bristolian. The death occurred at his
residence, Heale House, Littleham, near Bideford, on Monday night last
week, of Mr J H Lockley, a gentleman very highly respected in the
district, and esteemed as the soul of honour and uprightness in all his
dealings. Possessed of keen business ability which he turned to good
account—he was essentially a self-made man—the deceased was warm-hearted
to a degree, with regard for those less successful than himself, and by
his death the Bideford Infirmary, as well other institutions, loses a
generous supporter. A former high sheriff of Bristol, chairman Directors
of the Bristol United Breweries Co., Ltd., and of Bristol Gas Co., Mr
Lockley came to North Devon to settle down some eight or nine years ago,
and soon taking an active interest in the welfare of the locality, became
one the first directors of the now wound-up Plymouth and North Devon
Direct Railway Co., formed for the purpose of making a connecting line
between Okehampton and Torrington. For the past two years Mr Lockley had
been in failing health, although he was able to be out of doors up to a
week before his death. Deceased’s only son died at Bristol, but he is
survived by his widow, two grandsons and granddaughter, with all of whom
much sympathy is felt in their bereavement. Mr Lockley was 74 years of
age, and he had endeared himself to all in North Devon with whom be had
been brought in contact, while testimony to the respect in which he was
held in Bristol has been widely shown during the past week.
FUNERAL AT BRISTOL. The first part of the funeral service took place on
Saturday St James’ Church, Bristol, where the deceased was for many years
warden. The remains had been conveyed from Bideford the previous evening,
and had been taken direct to the church. The principal mourners :—First
carriage— The Rev. T. W. Graham, the Rev. D. Stephen Evans; second
carriage— Mrs Lockley (widow), Miss Turner (grand-daughter), Mrs Fred Lane
(niece)); third carriage—Mr G. T. Turner (son-in-law), Mr Fred Lane
(nephew), Masters J. L. and T. Turner (grandsons); fourth carriage—Mr E.
T. Lewis, Mr H. E. C. Baker, Mr C. E. Wooster, Mr J. N. G. Pope; fifth
carriage—Mr W. T. Rugman and Mr W. D. Cann; sixth carriage—Mr A. W.
Summers, Mr E. B. Colthurst, Mr C. R. Hancock, and Mr H. W. K. Wait.
The esteem in which Mr Lockley was held was indicated by the large
attendance at the church. Amongst those present were the Lord Mayor (Mr A.
J. Smith), the Sheriff (Mr Henry Daniel), Aldermen E. B. James, C. J. Lowe
and M. Levy; Messrs F. Leigh, W. Cottrell, C. Newth, J. Worth, the Lord
Mayor’s chaplain (the Rev. J. H. Blight), the City Engineer (Colonel T. H.
Yabbicom), the Rev. J. Webster, the Rev. W. Davies, Messrs H. L. Riseley,
F. S. Bolt, J. H. Evans and G. C. King (members the vestry), H. Chilton
(vestry clerk), F. Pullin, R. J. Sellick, T. Cook and J. Gotts, chief
officer of Fire Brigade (sidesmen); Lieut. Colonel J. H. Woodward, Messrs
Fenwick, Richards, A. Knocker, R. T. Hughes, F. G. Price, J. R. Hancock,
G. W. Moon, H. G. Tapp, A. C. Terry, C. Hiscox, H. F. Lawes, J. H. Howell,
E. J. Smeale, H. T. Prigg, T. Hampton (representing the Eye Hospital), P.
R. Sleeman, W. B. Biggs, H. Mountstevens, E. A. Sheppard, R. C. Smart, T.
G. Ford, W. Coles, R. S. Wright, M. Clarke, H. A. Wall, U. H. Alsop, Frank
Leigh, Fowke, G. Harris (hon secretary of the Bath and Bristol District of
the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Institution), Messrs G. Williams
(president), W. Shipp (treasurer), and W. Roberts (representing the
Bristol District Beer, Spirit, and Wine Trade Association).
The service was conducted by the Rev. T. W. Graham (vicar of St. Matthew’s
High Brooms, Tunbridge Wells), son of the Rev. T. Graham (now vicar of
Southborough, Kent), who was vicar of St. James’, Bristol, when the late
Mr Lockley filled the office of churchwarden. The Rev. D. Stephen Evans
(curate of St. James’) assisted. The organist (Mr B Wright) played “Blest
are the Departed" (Spohr), “O, rest in the Lord,” and at the conclusion
the Dead March in "Saul.” The remains were enclosed in metal coffin, the
outer coffin being of oak, with brass fittings. The inscription was "James
Henry Lockley. Died Oct. 14th, 1907. Aged 74 years".
The interment took place at Redland Green, where the remains were borne
upon an open car. There was a large and representative gathering to
witness the closing scene, including the Rev. Canon Alford (vicar of Stoke
Bishop) and Alderman J. W. S. Dix. Floral tributes sent by friends and
relatives locally included wreaths from Mrs Lockley, The Employees Heale,
Dr and Mrs Grose, Dr and Mrs Thompson, Mr and Mrs R. B.James, and the
Misses James (Hallsannery), Mr and Mrs Withecombe (Heale Farm), Bideford
Horticultural Society (Secretary Mr G. Parkhouse), teachers and scholars
of Littleham School and Mr and Mrs T. Oerton (Grangehurst).
Preaching at St. James’ Church, Sunday morning, from Rev. xxi. 4, the Rev
D. Stephen Evans (curate) said: Yesterday, amidst tokens of widespread
regret, the mortal remains of a once prominent citizen were laid in the
grave. The memory of James Henry Lockley will long remain a household word
in the hearts many of the parishioners of St. James’; many a home can
recall the sympathy and kindness of such high-souled follower of Christ,
so that to day—
The actions of his life
Smell sweet, and blossom in the dust.
He, had, in years gone by, taken prominent part in the affairs of this
parish; here he worshipped as one of the oldest members of the vestry of
this ancient church, which he loved so much, and for which he was always
ready sacrifice his time and energy. Beyond the boundaries of this church
and parish he was well known one who devoted a considerable amount of his
time and talents for the betterment of this city and its inhabitants. He
was a valued member of the Corporation, and for two years in succession
admirably filled the important office of Sheriff. He took a keen interest
in the charitable institutions of Bristol, and his name was identified
with almost every public work for the welfare the community. More than one
bitter grief overclouded his path during his earthly pilgrimage, but be
has now gone to his well-earned rest and home, to join those whom he had
loved—
Rest! Thy warfare o’er !
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking.
Morn or toil, nor night of waking.
To his surviving wife, relatives, and friends, we extend our sincere
sympathy. The loss is theirs, the gain is his, whose name will always be
associated with what was ennobling and godly, whose life of almost
unexampled kindness and unequalled humility won for him the approbation of
an extensive Christian community. He is gone to receive the crown which is
woven for all those—
Whose feet have trod the path to God.
| 2 Gallon Stoneware Flagon |   |
| Impressed:
576 / LOCKLEY & Co / Wine & Spirit Merchants / Lewins Mead /
BRISTOL Potter: Price + Bristol. |
| Pint Beer Bottle |
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| Embossed:
(In circle) BRISTOL UNITED BREWERIES Ld + / (in
centre) Lewins Mead Glassworks: P & R, B (Powell & Ricketts, Bristol) - Dark Green Glass, Cork Closure. |
| Half Pint Beer Bottle |
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| Embossed:
(In circle) BRISTOL UNITED BREWERIES Ld + / (in
centre) Lewins Mead - (very faintly embossed, likely
erased from mould) Glassworks: unmarked - Dark Green Glass, Cork Closure. |