|
"Mystery" jug found in
Chester
WHEN this jug was found in Chester in 1990, it was
classed as a mystery because no-one knew what the scene on the side represented.
No-one in Chester, that is, which is surprising given that Nantwich is only 20
miles away.
The jug depicted "Nanptwitch
Brewery" and Dabbers knew at once that it was the brewery at Townsend House,
Nantwich. (They also knew that the old form of the town name was usually spelled
Namptwich). The
side of the jug seen in the picture (left) shows the view from Welsh Row, while on the reverse
men are loading a dray with barrels, with the aid of a winch. One barrel is
labelled "double strong", another "Harold Knight 1818". In the distance, on a
hilltop, can be seen Beeston Castle.
The jug was sold by Philips, the
Chester auctioneers, for £6,500, but it had been given an estimated sale price
of £1,200 to £1,800 . It was made by Enoch Wood and Sons.
The picture was sent to me by Nantwich
historian, Andrew Lamont, after he had received an enquiry about the Townsend
House brewery and thought I would like to add it to this page.
Right is a picture of the
now-demolished Townsend House. It is now the site of a gated housing complex.
lTHE garden
of Townsend House is the subject of a battle between developers and a group
called
Nantwich Walled Garden Society
which is fighting to preserve the walled garden as it was - and not under new
housing.
A painting of Townsend House, by the Nantwich artist
Herbert St John Jones, has been acquired by
Nantwich Museum. |
