A famous brewery of note in this area, founded in 1844 by John Fox was the Castle Hill Brewery of Ewloe. The brewery supplied a number of public houses in Northop too. You may not know that ‘The Maltings’ at Swndwr Farm was part of Castle Hill Brewery. The Maltings is situated just off the Connah’s Quay Road and is now a Grade II listed building now used as private residences.
This building formed part of the Soughton Hall Estate. In 1878 it is recorded that John Scott Bankes of Soughton Hall further leased the building for 21 years to the Castle Hill Brewery for £235.00 a year. The building then contained a malt-kiln with sectioned malt-houses and storage areas for use by the Castle Hill Brewery.
The Maltings seen in the image here is one of the largest buildings in Northop and dates to the later 18th century. It was enlarged and raised by one storey in 1824.
There’s a great footpath which runs almost around the entire building and is great for a ramble in the Northop area.
In the background is the very historic and ancient place of Moel-Y-Gaer. More to come on this special place soon.
#Northop #FlintshireHistory #themaltings
The Blenheim Boys
‘The devotion and gallantry… are beyond all praise. The Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava is eclipsed in brightness by these almost daily deeds of fame.’
Winston Churchill on the Blenheim Crews - Prime Minister’s Personal Minute, M.852/1, 30 August 1941