Collection of objects and archives from Boddingtons Brewery at Strangeways
- Made:
- circa 1888-2003 in Manchester
Collection of objects and archives from Boddingtons Brewery at Strangeways, Manchester, c1883-2003.
Boddingtons beer was brewed in Manchester’s Strangeways Brewery, which was originally founded by grain merchants Thomas Caister and Thomas Fray around 1778. The brewery was established on the eve of the Industrial Revolution, when the growth in population and industry in Manchester created a ready market for locally brewed beer. Henry Boddington joined the brewery in 1832. He was made a partner in the business in 1848 and by 1853 was the sole owner. Three of Henry’s sons joined him and Boddingtons Brewery expanded rapidly over the 19th century to become the biggest brewery in Manchester.
Boddingtons Breweries Ltd became a publicly registered company in 1877, by which time it produced over 100,000 barrels a year and owned 71 public houses. In the following decades, despite the impact of the First World War and the Great Depression, the company consolidated its position as one of the leading breweries in Northwest England.
After bomb damage in the Second World War, Strangeways brewery was modernised in the post-war period. Boddingtons continued to expand, retaining its distinctive character and regional focus. This was despite pressure from mass-produced national brands and the increased popularity of lager rather than traditional styles of beer, like bitter, which Boddingtons specialised in. It remained as a family run business until Boddingtons' brewing interests were sold to Whitbread in 1989. Further expansion occurred in the 1990s, when Boddingtons was marketed as the ‘Cream of Manchester’ and became well-known nationally. Whitbread’s brewing business was sold to InterBrew UK in 2000, who closed the historic Strangeways Brewery in 2005, despite protests by local people, and moved production to other sites.
The museum holds a large collection of objects and archives from Boddingtons Brewery at Strangeways, including Boddingtons pint glasses, barrels, bar towels, beer mats, barrels, pump handles, signage and clothing. The archival material includes internal records, marketing materials and photographs.
Wooden barrel and stand
top of a wooden barrel; designed to be wall mounted; inscribed 'Boddingtons
Wooden barrel and stand
Wooden barrel and stand
Monde Selection Medal Awarded to Boddingtons Brewery
1988-1989
Brewex Medal Awarded to Boddingtons Brewery
1979-1980
Brewex Medal
1972
Hand pump
Light Fitting from Boddingtons Brewery
1970-2000
GEC Light bulb
1950-1990
Light bulb used in a wall-mounted Nelson
Boddingtons Bitter Beer Bottle
1970-1980
Boddingtons Light Ale Bottle
1970-1989
Bottle of Boddingtons Bitter Beer
Boddingtons Export Bottle
1993-2000
Boddingtons "Little Boddie" Bottle
1980-1989
Boddingtons "Bodkan" Can
1980-1989
Boddingtons Pub Ale Can
2000-2002
Boddingtons Original Bitter Can
2000-2003
"Bodkan" Can Opener
can opener inscribed 'Bodkan'
The Brewery Tap price list
1973
Mirror advertising Boddingtons Beer
Boddingtons Bitter Pump Head
1970-2004
Boddingtons Mild Pub Pump Head
1980-2004
Pump Head From Boddingtons Sample Room
Pump Head from Boddingtons Brewery
Pump Head for Whitbread Light Beer
Boddingtons Pub Pump Handle
1990-2002
Drip Tray
1990-2002
Boddingtons Drip Tray
1990-2004
Boddingtons Bar Drip Tray
1990-2002
Barrel Tap
1900-1960
Barrel Tap
1960-2000
Boddingtons Pint Glass
1980-2002
Boddingtons Pint Glass
1980-2002
Boddingtons Pint Glass
1980-2002
Boddingtons Pint Glass
1990-2002
Boddingtons Pint glass
1990-2002
Boddingtons Pint Glass
1990-2002
Boddingtons Pub Tray
1960-1990
Boddingtons Brewery Pub Tray
1970-2000
Boddingtons Bar Mat
1990-2004
Bar mat
Boddingtons Bar Towel
1970-2004
Boddingtons Bar Towel
1970-2004
Boddingtons Bar Towel
1990-2002
Boddingtons Brew Mat
1970-2000
Beer mat advertising Boddingtons Bitter
Boddingtons Beer Mat
1990-2002
Boddingtons Beer Mat
1990-2002
Beer mat advertising Boddingtons
Boddingtons Gold Beer Mat
1990-2002
Beer mat advertising Boddingtons Gold
Boddingtons Beer Mat
1995-2000
Beer mat advertising Boddingtons
Boddingtons Brewery Postcard
1999-2002
Postcard advertising Boddingtons
Boddingtons Buntings
1990-2002
Boddingtons Brewery Bunting
1970-2005
Boddingtons Advertising Plaque
1990-2002
Boddingtons 4 Pint Pitcher
1990-2002
Stencil of Boddingtons Logo
Boddingtons Stencil
1990-2002
Boddingtons Shop Paper Bag
1980-2004
Boddingtons Brewery Paper Bag
1970-2000
Boddingtons Lapel Badge
Lapel badge; Boddingtons beer
Lapel badge; Boddingtons beer
Boddingtons Brewery Badge
1970-2000
Embroidered badge, Boddingtons logo
Wooden plaque
Boddingtons Pump Handle
1990-2004
Handle for Pub Electric Pump
1990-2002
Jacket; gold with black trim
Waistcoat; gold with black trim
