HOLBROOKS

[superdad3]

Holbrooks

Just read the thread under “Birmingham Blitz” and the bombing of the Holbrooks factory. Searched on forum and amazed at how much info there is on Holbrooks under different headings. Also lots of info on Google.I didn’t realise just what an iconic Birmingham product Holbrooks Worcester Sauce was. Short timeline may be of interest.
1866: John Tomson established a malt vinegar brewery in Ashted Row

1875: Production of pickles & sauces started.
1879: Now (re)known as Birmingham Vinegar Brewery
1880: The famous Worcester Sauce Introduced [Holbrooks Worcester Sauce].
1888: Advertised as “best and cheapest” at half the price of Lea & Perrins.

1900: Name changed to Holbrooks Ltd., to reflect their most important product.

1910: Factory

1914: Factory employed nearly 600 people mainly women.
1942: Condiment factory destroyed by German bombers on 30th July. Does this pic show the bomb damage?

1951: Over 300 million bottles of Worcester Sauce had been sold by now.

1954: Birmingham factory compulsorily purchased by BCC for redevelopment of the area – end of Holbrooks in Birmingham.

 

[MWS]

The photo of the possible bomb damage appears to be a wider (better) shot of the one I posted on the other thread.

Though not required for the 1911 census my great grandad fortunately listed employer as well as occupation, and my grand aunt is listed as working at Holbrook's, as a Case Maker I think it says.

 

[A Sparks]

Very interesting.
Here's a bit more I found about the company...

Holbrook & Co. (Holbrook’s Worcestershire Sauce)

The “Holbrook” story got its start in the West Midlands of England in the late 1860’s with a company that manufactured vinegar called Tompson, Berry and Co. Also referred to as th…

baybottles.com