History of our site in Henley-on-Thames

Many thanks to Ann Cottingham for her indepth history of Henley pub, malting and brewing industries in 'Hostelries of Henley'. Also thanks to Ruth Gibson for her knowledge of Henley history.

John Lovibond and Sons Ltd were listed as brewers in the Henley registers from from 1916 - 1968. Often referred to as Lovibonds Brewery, they had retail outlets across the country (35 in 1916). Lovibonds are still remembered in the Henley area for the shop in the centre of town and for the local delivery of pint and quart bottles of beer, wine and spirits.

Lovibonds took over the site in Henley in 1916, purchasing the business from Ive Bros. Various members of the Ive family traded in Henley from 1810. Ive Brothers were brewers and mineral water manufacturers as well as wine, beer and spirit merchants located in 19-21 and 37 Market Place, Henley-on-Thames.

Ive Brothers were brewers and mineral water manufacturers as well as wine, beer and spirit merchants located in 19-21 and 37 Market Place, Henley-on-Thames. The picture on the right shows artefacts found at the site during restoration of the building. Note the distinct shape of the glass mineral water bottle, this design prevented the consumer from standing the bottle upright, forcing the cork to be kept moist.

The site at the Rear of 19-21 Market place is most well known for the narrow gauge track that runs the length of the property originating in the Market Place. This track a has historically been used for assisting with goods in and out of the store.

The two storey building behind 19-21 Market Place is believed to be built by Alfred Ive in 1867. This building joins another with a stone stating 'AI 1867'. Alfred was the second son of a Henley grocer and is listed as a wine and spirit merchant as well as the licensee of the Greyhound pub (demolished in 1898 to make way for the new town hall).

After years of neglect, this building is being carefully restored to its former use. Ivy removed from the side of the building uncovered a roof finial that appears to date back to when the building was erected in 1867.

The artefacts and features shown on this page, as well as numerous other antique finds and historical photographs of the locality, can be seen at Lovibonds Brewery. Come and pay us a visit!