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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.
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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 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.
On the right is a picture of the
now-demolished
Townsend House, as seen from the area of the front
gate in a tall wall in Welsh Row. The house and garden site is now a gated housing complex.
lTHE walled garden
of Townsend House is the |
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subject of a battle between developers and a group
called
Nantwich Walled Garden Society
which is fighting to restore the walled garden rather than it be lost under new
housing.
A painting of Townsend House, by the Nantwich artist Herbert St John Jones, has been acquired by
Nantwich Museum. |
