Beer, Mineral Water, Aerated Waters and Ginger Beer Manufacturers of Warwickshire
1840-1920: The Complete County Guide
A Comprehensive History of Bottle Manufacturers Across Warwickshire Including Leamington Spa, Coventry, Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon, Banbury, Nuneaton, Atherstone, Southam and Border Areas
Contents
Introduction & Historical Context
Leamington Spa Manufacturers
Coventry Manufacturers
Stratford-upon-Avon Manufacturers
Warwick & Atherstone Manufacturers
Nuneaton & Bedworth
Banbury & Market Towns
Southam & Rural Warwickshire
Birmingham Border Areas (Historically Warwickshire)
Bottle Types, Embossing & Identification
Technical Processes & Innovation
Collecting Guide: Values, Rarity & Where to Find
Complete Manufacturer Directory A-Z
Bibliography & Sources
Introduction & Historical Context
The Victorian Beverage Revolution
During the Victorian and Edwardian eras (1840-1920), the manufacture of mineral waters, aerated waters, soda water, seltzer, and ginger beer became a thriving industry across the English Midlands. Warwickshire, with its famous spa towns, excellent railway connections, and growing urban populations, witnessed the establishment of dozens of small and medium-sized factories producing these increasingly popular beverages.
This explosive growth was driven by multiple factors:
The Temperance Movement: From the 1830s onwards, temperance societies promoted non-alcoholic alternatives to beer and spirits. Mineral waters and flavored sodas provided acceptable, respectable refreshment.
Technological Innovation: The development of reliable carbonation equipment in the 1850s-1860s made mass production feasible. The patenting of the Codd-neck bottle in 1872 revolutionized the industry by providing an effective seal that preserved carbonation.
Public Health Concerns: Urban water supplies were often contaminated. Bottled, sealed mineral water offered a safer alternative, marketed on purity and health benefits.
Railway Expansion: The rapid growth of railway networks from the 1840s onwards enabled manufacturers to distribute products across wide geographic areas, transforming local operations into regional businesses.
Rising Living Standards: The Victorian middle and working classes had increasing disposable income for small luxuries like bottled beverages.
Warwickshire’s Natural Advantages
Warwickshire possessed several natural advantages for the beverage industry:
Natural Springs: Leamington Spa’s famous saline springs had been known since medieval times. The opening of the Royal Pump Room in 1814 established Leamington as a fashionable spa town, creating immediate demand for bottled mineral waters.
Water Quality: Many areas of Warwickshire sat on limestone and sandstone geology, providing naturally filtered, mineral-rich water suitable for brewing and mineral water production.
Strategic Location: Warwickshire’s central position, with excellent canal and railway connections, allowed manufacturers to reach Birmingham, Coventry, and London markets efficiently.
Industrial Infrastructure: The county’s established manufacturing tradition provided skilled workers, engineering support, and business networks.
Industrial Geography
This study covers manufacturers across the historic county of Warwickshire, including:
Major Towns:
Royal Leamington Spa (the epicenter of mineral water production)
Coventry (major industrial city with multiple manufacturers)
Stratford-upon-Avon (brewing and bottling center)
Warwick (historic county town)
Nuneaton (industrial town)
Rugby (market and railway town)
Market Towns:
Banbury (Oxfordshire border, historically connected to Warwickshire trade)
Atherstone (hat-making town transitioning to diverse manufacturing)
Southam (agricultural market town)
Alcester, Kenilworth, Shipston-on-Stour
Birmingham Border Areas:
Before the 1974 local government reorganization, areas including Sutton Coldfield, Solihull, and Shirley were administratively part of Warwickshire. Manufacturers in these areas are included as they were Warwickshire businesses during the period covered.
The Industry’s Life Cycle
The mineral water and aerated beverage industry in Warwickshire followed a predictable pattern:
Pioneer Phase (1840-1870): Individual entrepreneurs like James Daily in Leamington established small-scale operations, often as sidelines to other businesses.
Growth Phase (1870-1900): Adoption of Codd bottles and improved carbonation technology enabled rapid expansion. Firms like Kinmond & Co and William Lant grew from local operations to regional manufacturers with dozens of employees.
Maturity Phase (1900-1914): The industry reached its peak with numerous competing manufacturers. Product ranges expanded beyond simple soda water to include ginger beer, lemonade, tonic water, and exotic drinks.
Decline Phase (1914-1940): World War I disrupted production (sugar rationing, labor shortages). The interwar period saw consolidation as large national brands (Schweppes, R. White) dominated the market. Many independent manufacturers closed or were absorbed.
Leamington Spa Manufacturers
The Epicenter of Warwickshire’s Mineral Water Industry
Leamington Spa was the undisputed center of Warwickshire’s mineral water industry. The town’s famous saline springs, its status as a fashionable spa destination, and its excellent railway connections made it the natural location for beverage manufacture.
At its peak in the 1890s-1900s, Leamington supported at least four major mineral water manufacturers and several smaller operations, employing hundreds of workers and distributing products across the British Empire.
1. James Daily & Co (1841-1871)
Founder: James Daily (born c.1825, Charleville, County Cork, Ireland)
Period of Operation: 1841-1871 (30 years)
Locations: 37 Regent Street, Leamington Spa; 4 Grand Parade, Leamington Spa
Products: Mineral water, soda water, aerated waters
Historical Significance: Leamington’s pioneer mineral water manufacturer
Detailed History:
James Daily was one of the most significant figures in the early development of Leamington’s mineral water industry. Born around 1825 in Charleville, County Cork, Ireland, Daily emigrated to England during or shortly after the Irish Potato Famine years (1845-1852), joining thousands of Irish immigrants seeking economic opportunity in England’s industrial towns.
Daily recognized that Leamington’s reputation as a spa town created commercial opportunities. Since the opening of the Royal Pump Room in 1814, visitors had flocked to “take the waters,” but the mineral water could only be consumed on-site. Daily saw the potential to bottle and distribute these waters more widely.
Daily established his mineral water manufactory in 1841 at 37 Regent Street, one of Leamington’s most prominent commercial streets. His timing was excellent: Leamington’s population was growing rapidly (from 2,000 in 1820 to over 15,000 by 1850), and railway connections (the line from Birmingham arrived in 1844) enabled wider distribution.
By 1849, Daily was operating mineral water factories in both Warwick and Leamington, indicating substantial business success. His operation employed multiple workers and maintained manufacturing facilities in two locations.
Daily’s operation used the technology available in the 1840s-1860s: water from Leamington’s saline springs, carbonation using acid-and-alkali chemical reactions, cork stoppers with wire fastening, and glass bottles produced by glassworks in Birmingham or Staffordshire.
The business produced plain mineral water, soda water, simple aerated waters, and possibly ginger beer and lemonade.
Sale of Business:
In 1871, after thirty years of operation, James Daily sold his business to the Kinmond family for £2,000 (equivalent to approximately £200,000 today). This substantial sum indicates the value and success of the enterprise. The sale included manufacturing equipment, premises, customer lists, distribution networks, goodwill, and existing stock.
The sale agreement included a non-compete covenant requiring Daily not to operate within 50 miles of Leamington for a specified period. Patrick Daily, James’s brother, attempted to breach this agreement in 1873 by starting his own mineral water operation. Kinmond & Co took legal action and won, establishing the validity of the covenant.
Legacy:
James Daily’s pioneering work established Leamington as a center of mineral water manufacture. His business model—combining local spa water reputation with wider distribution—became the template for later, larger operations.
Bottles and Embossing:
Surviving James Daily bottles are exceptionally rare, making them highly valuable to collectors. Features include:
Embossed: “J. DAILY & CO” or “JAMES DAILY”
“LEAMINGTON” or “LEAMINGTON SPA”
Address: “37 REGENT STREET” or “GRAND PARADE”
Cork and wire stoppers (pre-dating Codd patent)
Typically aqua or pale green glass
Early examples among the oldest mineral water bottles in Warwickshire
Estimated Value: £50-150+ depending on condition and clarity of embossing. These are among the rarest Warwickshire mineral water bottles.
2. Kinmond & Co (1871-1935)
Founders: Kinmond family from Alyth, Perthshire, Scotland
Key Figures: James Crichton Kinmond (1841-1899), Captain CSC Kinmond (successor)
Period of Operation: 1871-1935 (64 years)
Main Factory: Kenilworth Street, Leamington Spa
Factory Size: 20,000 square feet—described as “the largest and best arranged [mineral water factory] of its kind in England”
Employees: Approximately 100 at peak operation
Products: Leamington Spa Seltzer, Brighton Seltzer, Soda water, Lemonade, Ginger ale, Ginger beer, Orange champagne, Tonic water, Lithium water, Sparkling phosphoretta, Cream soda, Various mineral and aerated waters
Historical Significance: The dominant mineral water manufacturer in Warwickshire; established Leamington’s reputation for quality bottled beverages
Detailed History:
The Kinmond family’s acquisition of James Daily & Co in 1871 marked the beginning of what would become the dominant mineral water manufacturer in Leamington Spa. James Crichton Kinmond was an enterprising businessman who recognized the potential for expansion and modernization.
The family was originally from Alyth, Perthshire, Scotland, a region with its own tradition of mineral water production. The Kinmonds brought Scottish business experience and manufacturing expertise to Leamington, quickly establishing themselves as serious operators in the beverage industry.
The factory on Kenilworth Street was substantially expanded and re-equipped with the latest carbonation and bottling machinery. Kinmond worked closely with Dr. James Thompson, who had become renowned for his analysis of Leamington’s mineral waters, to develop products that emphasized both quality and scientific credentials.
Production and Distribution:
By the 1890s, Kinmond & Co had become a major manufacturer, exporting products throughout the British Isles and to the British Empire, including:
South America
West Indies
South Africa
India
Australia
Canada
The company supplied numerous public houses, hotels, and retailers across a wide geographical area. Their products achieved a reputation for quality and reliability that extended far beyond Warwickshire.
Technology and Innovation:
Kinmond & Co were quick to adopt new bottling technologies:
Initially using corked bottles with wire fastening
Moving to Codd-neck bottles with glass marbles (post-1872)
Eventually adopting crown caps when these became standard in the 1890s-1900s
The factory was equipped with modern machinery including large copper pans heated by gas for brewing drinks, carbonation generators using purified carbonic acid gas, bottling machines including Bennett & Foster machines for Codd bottles, and extensive storage and cooling facilities.
Workforce:
At its peak, the factory employed around 100 people:
Skilled engineers and chemists
Bottling line workers
Delivery drivers
Clerical staff
Managers and supervisors
During World War I, like many manufacturers, Kinmond advertised for women workers as men enlisted for military service, providing important employment opportunities for women on the home front.
Product Quality:
Kinmond products were made using water from the Royal Pump Rooms, which had a reputation for purity and therapeutic properties. The mineral content—particularly the saline properties—made Leamington’s water naturally suited to mineral water and seltzer production.
Later Period and Closure:
James Crichton Kinmond died in 1899, and the business was continued by his successors, notably Captain CSC Kinmond. The company merged with the Leamington Spa Aerated Waters Company Ltd in 1935 to form Kinmonds Ltd, reflecting consolidation in the industry. The company finally ceased trade in 1963-64.
The famous Kinmond factory building on Kenilworth Street was eventually converted to Kinmond Court, a retirement flats development that stands today as a reminder of the town’s manufacturing heritage.
Bottles and Embossing:
Kinmond bottles are among the most commonly found from Leamington Spa. They typically feature:
Embossed lettering: “KINMOND & CO LIMITED” or variations
“LEAMINGTON SPA” or “BRIGHTON” (for their seltzer range)
Address: Kenilworth Street, Leamington Spa
Codd-neck designs (post-1872) with glass marble stoppers
Various sizes from small bottles (6oz) to large bottles (28oz)
Crown cap bottles from the 1900s onwards
Usually clear, aqua, or pale green glass
Surviving Codd bottles show the distinctive glass marble stopper intact in many cases, while later crown-cap bottles feature the crimped metal cap design. The embossing is usually quite clear and deep, reflecting the quality of manufacture.
Estimated Value: £8-25 for common bottles; £20-50 for rare sizes or variants; £30-100+ for Codd bottles with intact marbles in excellent condition.
3. Leamington Spa Aerated Waters Company Ltd (1880s-1935)
Period of Operation: Late 19th century to 1935
Location: Chapel Street/George Street corner, Leamington Spa
Products: Mineral water, aerated waters, soda water, lemonade, ginger beer
Historical Significance: A major competitor to Kinmond & Co; later merged to form Kinmonds Ltd
Detailed History:
The Leamington Spa Aerated Waters Company Ltd was another significant competitor in the local mineral water market. Based at the corner of Chapel Street and George Street—a prominent commercial location in central Leamington—the company operated a factory and bottling facility that served the local and regional markets.
The company was substantial enough to employ multiple workers. During World War I, the company advertised for female factory workers, indicating the scale of their operations. Many young women worked on the bottling lines, providing significant employment opportunities in the early 20th century.
The company’s products followed the standard range of the period: mineral water, aerated waters, soda water, lemonade, and ginger beer. Like many independent manufacturers, they sought to compete on reputation and local market knowledge against larger national brands.
Amalgamation:
In 1935, the Leamington Spa Aerated Waters Company merged with Kinmond & Co to form Kinmonds Ltd, representing a consolidation of the local mineral water industry. This merger reflected the economic pressures on independent manufacturers during the interwar period and the rising dominance of large national brands.
Bottles and Embossing:
Bottles from the Leamington Spa Aerated Waters Company typically feature:
Embossed company name: “LEAMINGTON SPA AERATED WATERS CO LTD” or similar variation
Address: “CHAPEL STREET” and/or “GEORGE STREET”
“LEAMINGTON SPA” location marking
Both Codd-neck designs and crown-cap bottles
These bottles are less commonly found than Kinmond bottles, making them more desirable to collectors
Estimated Value: £10-30 for standard bottles; £20-50 for rare variants or excellent condition Codd bottles.
4. Lucas & Co Ltd (1839-1934)
Original Name: Lewis’ Brewery (founded 1839)
Evolution of Names:
Lewis’ Brewery (1839-1885)
Lewis and Ridley (1871-1885)
Lucas and Company (1885-1897)
Lucas, Blackwell & Arkwright (1885-1897)
Lucas & Co Ltd (1897-1934)
Key Figures: Morton Peto Lucas, Frederick Murray Lucas, Arthur Herbert Blackwell (famous Warwickshire cricketer; 1885-1897), Herbert Robert Arkwright
Period of Operation: 1839-1934 (95 years)
Location: Lillington Avenue, Leamington Spa
Products: Beer, mineral water, aerated waters, soda water, ginger beer
Historical Significance: One of Leamington’s longest-operating breweries; diversified into soft drinks manufacturing
Detailed History:
Lucas & Co originated as Lewis’ Brewery in 1839, with brewing commencing in 1840-1841. The brewery was established at Lillington Avenue and built a successful reputation for quality ales during the Victorian era.
In 1885, the partnership of Lucas, Blackwell & Arkwright took over or restructured the brewery. Arthur Herbert Blackwell was a celebrated Warwickshire cricketer, and his partnership with Lucas and Arkwright brought both business acumen and social prominence to the operation. The firm traded under this name from 1885 to 1897 when it became Lucas & Co Ltd.
Arthur Herbert Blackwell was known throughout the Midlands for his cricketing achievements, making his association with the brewery a matter of local pride. The partnership represented the merger of established brewing expertise with new capital and management.
Diversification:
While primarily known as a brewery, Lucas & Co also manufactured mineral waters and aerated waters, taking advantage of the same bottling and distribution infrastructure used for their beer products. This diversification was typical of larger beverage manufacturers of the period, who recognized the temperance movement’s growth and sought to serve both markets.
Business Scale:
By 1897, when registered as a Limited Company, Lucas & Co held 124 tied public houses, indicating the substantial scale of the enterprise. The company supplied these licensed premises with both beer and soft drinks, making them vertically integrated manufacturers with guaranteed distribution channels.
Acquisition and Closure:
Lucas & Co was acquired by Ansells Brewery Ltd in November 1928. Brewing ceased in 1934, marking the end of this historic 95-year operation. The acquisition reflected the industry-wide trend toward consolidation and the emergence of regional brewery chains.
Legacy:
The historic brewery buildings at Lillington Avenue were eventually converted in 1989 to “The Maltings,” a residential development. The name “The Maltings” preserves the memory of the site’s brewing heritage, a common practice in urban regeneration projects.
Bottles and Embossing:
Lucas bottles would have been marked with variations of the company names depending on the period:
Early bottles (1880s-1897): “LUCAS & CO” or “LEWIS”
Middle period (1885-1897): “LUCAS, BLACKWELL & ARKWRIGHT”
Later bottles (1897-1934): “LUCAS & CO LTD”
“LEAMINGTON” or “LILLINGTON”
Both Codd-neck designs and crown-cap bottles
Some bottles may feature Arthur Herbert Blackwell’s name prominently, making these particularly interesting to collectors interested in Warwickshire cricket history. These bottles represent the intersection of sports celebrity, business enterprise, and Victorian manufacturing.
Estimated Value: £8-20 for common bottles; £15-40 for bottles with Blackwell’s name; £20-50+ for rare variants or excellent condition Codd bottles with intact marbles.
5. George Nelson & Co (1837-1880s)
Founder/Operator: George Nelson
Period of Operation: 1837-1880s (50+ years)
Locations: Rock Mills, Warwick; later Emscote Mills, Warwick/Leamington border
Product Specialty: Leamington Salts (evaporated mineral water salts)
Products: Gelatine, salts extracted from mineral waters, chemical processing
Historical Significance: Innovative processor of Leamington’s mineral waters; represented vertical integration of the beverage industry
Detailed History:
While not strictly a bottled beverage manufacturer, George Nelson & Co deserves significant mention as an important specialized processor of Leamington’s mineral waters. The company extracted and manufactured “Leamington Salts” from the famous mineral springs—essentially creating a concentrated, portable form of the mineral water’s therapeutic salts.
Nelson recognized that while bottling mineral water was profitable, extracting the valuable mineral salts offered additional commercial opportunities. The company operated from Rock Mills (later Emscote Mills), taking advantage of the water power available from the local streams and the proximity to Leamington’s springs.
Process and Products:
Rather than bottling water, Nelson & Co evaporated the mineral water to extract the valuable salts—a complex chemical process requiring specialized knowledge and equipment. These salts could be reconstituted with water or used directly for medicinal purposes. The product was marketed as “Leamington Salts,” emphasizing the therapeutic properties of the spa town’s famous waters.
The process involved:
Large evaporating pans heated by fire
Careful temperature control to avoid damaging the mineral content
Crystallization and collection of the salts
Packaging in pots, bottles, and containers for distribution
Labeling and marketing emphasizing medicinal properties
The salts were marketed primarily as medicinal products—laxatives with therapeutic properties—positioning them alongside other Victorian patent medicines. They were sold through chemists, druggists, and spas, often at premium prices due to their exotic origin and health claims.
Business Success:
The longevity of the operation (50+ years from 1837) indicates reasonable commercial success. The business represented an innovative approach to monetizing Leamington’s mineral wealth, addressing the Victorian obsession with mineral-based medicinal products.
Decline:
The business appears to have declined after the 1880s as fashion shifted away from patent medicines and mineral salts products. The rise of pharmaceutical manufacturing and changing attitudes toward medicinal products contributed to the company’s eventual closure.
Historical Significance:
George Nelson & Co represents an important but often-overlooked aspect of the beverage industry—the ancillary products and services that grew up around mineral water manufacturing. The company demonstrates how entrepreneurs sought multiple ways to profit from Leamington’s natural springs.
Coventry Manufacturers
Coventry’s Industrial Bottling Heritage
Coventry, as one of the largest industrial cities in the Midlands, supported a thriving mineral water manufacturing industry. The city’s large population, excellent railway connections, and industrial infrastructure made it an ideal location for beverage manufacturers serving the Birmingham-Coventry conurbation.
Coventry’s mineral water industry was less romantic than Leamington’s spa-centered heritage but just as commercially significant. Local manufacturers served the working and middle classes of this industrial city, distributing products across the Midlands.
1. William Lant & Co (1830-1936+)
Founder: William Lant
Period of Operation: 1830-1936+ (operating for over 100 years)
Original Location: Hertford Street, Coventry
Later Location: 46-49 Bond Street, Coventry
Products: Mineral water, aerated waters, soda water, lemonade, ginger beer
Branch Operations: St James Mill Road, Northampton
Historical Significance: One of the longest-established and longest-operating mineral water manufacturers in the Midlands; extraordinarily successful business spanning over a century
Detailed History:
William Lant & Co was one of the longest-established mineral water manufacturers in the Midlands, with a documented history spanning over a century. The company was established in 1830, making it one of the earliest in the region—predating even James Daily’s Leamington operation by eleven years.
Lant initially operated from Hertford Street but moved to larger premises at 46-49 Bond Street as the business expanded throughout the Victorian period. The Bond Street location became the company’s primary manufacturing and bottling center, and extensive records document the company’s continued operation into the 20th century.
According to historical records, the company was still in production in 1936, having survived economic depressions, two world wars (though production was disrupted during WWI), and major changes in the beverage industry. Few manufacturing enterprises of the period achieved such longevity.
Business Longevity:
The company’s ability to remain in operation for more than a century speaks to several factors:
Consistent demand for mineral waters and aerated waters in Coventry
Effective business management and adaptation to changing markets
Strong local reputation and customer loyalty
Diversification of product ranges
Effective response to new bottle technologies (Codd bottles, crown caps)
Possibly favorable circumstances during competition with national brands
Product Range:
Lant produced a full range of carbonated beverages typical of the period:
Mineral water (plain and flavored)
Aerated waters
Soda water
Lemonade (various flavors)
Ginger beer
Various cordials and flavored drinks
Geographic Expansion:
Records indicate that William Lant & Co had a branch operation at St James Mill Road, Northampton, extending their distribution network into neighboring counties. This expansion indicates a prosperous business that sought to serve multiple regional markets.
Bottles and Embossing:
William Lant & Co bottles are among the most commonly found from Coventry. They typically feature:
Company name: “W. LANT & CO” or “WILLIAM LANT & CO”
“COVENTRY” clearly embossed
Various address variations (Hertford Street, Bond Street, 46 Bond Street, etc.)
Codd-neck designs (from 1872 onwards)
Crown cap bottles (from 1890s onwards)
Both large and small sizes
Usually aqua or pale green glass, though other colors exist
These bottles are highly collectible and are frequently found at archaeological sites, bottle collector markets, and antique shows. The variety of address changes on bottles makes them interesting for documenting the company’s growth and relocation.
Estimated Value: £5-15 for common bottles; £10-25 for Codd bottles in good condition; £15-30 for rare address variants; £20-40+ for bottles with unusual colors or excellent condition.
2. Hinds & Co (1880s-1920s)
Period of Operation: Late 19th century to 1920s
Location: Hales Street, Coventry
Products: Mineral water, ginger beer, aerated waters, cordials
Specialty: Distinctive pictorial Codd bottles with elephant imagery
Historical Significance: Renowned for beautiful trade mark designs; highly collectible bottled beverages
Detailed History:
Hinds & Co was one of Coventry’s most notable mineral water manufacturers, operating a factory on Hales Street. The company was known throughout the region for producing high-quality mineral waters and soft drinks, achieving a respected reputation in the local market and beyond.
The company emerged in the 1880s during the growth phase of the mineral water industry and operated through the Edwardian period and into the 1920s, when the industry began to decline due to competition from national brands and improved municipal water supplies.
Operations and Scale:
Hinds & Co operated a substantial factory on Hales Street, one of Coventry’s industrial areas. The factory employed multiple workers and served a significant market in Coventry and surrounding areas. The company’s products were distributed through typical channels of the period: public houses, grocers, chemists, and direct sales.
Distinctive Pictorial Bottles:
Hinds & Co is particularly renowned among bottle collectors for their distinctive pictorial Codd bottles, which feature elephant imagery as a trade mark. These bottles are highly collectible due to:
Attractive trade mark design with elephant pictorials
High quality of embossing and design
Historical significance as Coventry products
Rarity compared to standard mineral water bottles
Visual appeal to bottle collectors
The elephant imagery appears in various designs on surviving bottles, typically showing one or two elephants in a side-profile stance. The choice of an elephant as a trade mark was unusual and distinctive—while some manufacturers used animals or symbolic designs, elephant imagery was relatively uncommon in mineral water bottle design.
Artistic Quality:
The embossing on Hinds bottles shows considerable artistic care and quality, suggesting that the company valued visual presentation and brand identity. The elephant design was likely used on bottle labels, advertising materials, and other promotional items in addition to the bottles themselves.
Bottles and Embossing:
Hinds & Co bottles typically feature:
Embossed company name: “HINDS & CO”
“COVENTRY” location marking
Pictorial trademark: Elephant design (typically two elephants in side profile)
Codd-neck design with glass marble stopper (the standard from 1872 onwards)
High-quality embossing reflecting careful manufacture
Usually clear or pale aqua glass
Various sizes, typically 6-10 oz bottles
The elephant trademark is distinctive and makes Hinds bottles immediately recognizable to collectors. Bottles showing this design command good prices in the collector market due to the combination of rarity, artistic design, and local provenance.
Market and Distribution:
Hinds products were distributed throughout Coventry and surrounding areas, served through:
Public houses and hotels
Grocery shops and provision merchants
Chemists and druggists
Direct sales to customers
Possibly soda fountains and mineral water shops
The company competed against other Coventry manufacturers and against major national brands like Schweppes and R. White, relying on local reputation and the distinctive appeal of their pictorial bottles.
Decline and Closure:
The company appears to have ceased operation in the 1920s-1930s, during the period when independent mineral water manufacturers faced serious competition from national brands and when improved municipal water supplies reduced demand for mineral waters.
Estimated Value: £15-35 for standard pictorial Codd bottles; £25-60 for bottles with clear, attractive elephant designs; £40-100+ for exceptional examples in mint condition; £50-150+ for rare variants or unusual sizes. Elephant Codd bottles are among the most expensive and desirable Coventry mineral water bottles.
Stratford-upon-Avon Manufacturers
Shakespeare’s Country Meets the Beverage Industry
Stratford-upon-Avon, while famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, was also a significant center for brewing and mineral water manufacturing. The town’s position on the River Avon, its excellent water quality, and its established brewing tradition made it an ideal location for beverage production.
Stratford’s manufacturers served both the local market and the tourist trade of visitors attracted to the town’s literary associations. The town’s two major beverage manufacturers—Flower & Sons Brewery and R.M. Bird & Co—represented different aspects of the industry: one focused on beer and bottled products for wide distribution, the other specializing in traditional ginger beer for local markets.
1. Flower & Sons Brewery (1831-1968)
Founder: William Flower
Period of Operation: 1831-1968 (137 years—one of the longest-operating breweries in England)
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
Products: Beer (ales and stouts), mineral water, aerated waters, bottled beverages
Historical Significance: One of England’s most successful regional breweries; diversified into non-alcoholic beverages; survived through industry consolidation
Detailed History:
Flower & Sons Brewery was one of Stratford-upon-Avon’s most important businesses and one of England’s most successful regional breweries. Founded in 1831 by William Flower, the brewery operated for 137 years until its closure in 1968, making it one of the longest-continuously operating breweries in the country.
The brewery was established at a time when Stratford’s brewing industry was already well-established, the town having several breweries serving local demand and distributing products across the Midlands. The local water supply, excellent for brewing due to its mineral content, provided a natural advantage.
Growth and Expansion:
Over its long history, Flower & Sons grew from a local operation into a significant regional brewery with wide distribution networks. By the Edwardian period (1900-1914), the company operated numerous public houses across Warwickshire and Worcestershire, employing hundreds of workers.
The brewery modernized continuously, adopting new technologies and expanding its product range. By the early 20th century, Flower & Sons was producing not only traditional ales and stouts but also bottled beers and non-alcoholic beverages including mineral water and aerated waters.
Diversification into Soft Drinks:
Like Lucas & Co in Leamington, Flower & Sons recognized the temperance movement’s influence and the market opportunity for non-alcoholic beverages. The brewery’s bottling equipment and distribution networks were leveraged to produce and distribute mineral waters, soda waters, and other aerated beverages.
The brewery’s bottled products became well-known throughout the region. During the Edwardian period and through the 1920s-1930s, Flower’s beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) were among the most widely available in Warwickshire.
Survival During Decline:
Unlike many independent breweries, Flower & Sons navigated the difficult 1920s-1930s period more successfully than smaller competitors. The brewery’s size, reputation, and diversified product range provided resilience against competition from national brands.
However, the post-World War II period saw increasing consolidation in the brewing industry. Flower & Sons eventually merged with other breweries and was absorbed into larger regional and national brewing groups. The company finally ceased independent brewing in 1968, though the Flower’s brand name has been revived in modern times.
Legacy:
Flower & Sons represents the success story of regional breweries that adapted and evolved throughout the Victorian and 20th century. The company’s longevity (137 years) and success demonstrated the resilience of well-managed, quality-focused businesses in competitive markets.
Bottles and Embossing:
Flower & Sons bottles would have been marked with:
Company name: “FLOWER & SONS” or “FLOWERS BREWERY”
“STRATFORD-UPON-AVON”
Various product designations (beer bottle markings, mineral water, aerated water, etc.)
Both beer bottles and soft drink bottles
Period-appropriate closure types (cork and wire, Codd bottles, crown caps)
Estimated Value: £10-30 for common mineral water bottles; £15-40 for Codd bottles; £20-50+ for rare soft drink variants; £30-80+ for vintage Flower’s branded bottles in excellent condition, particularly those with clear embossing.
2. R.M. Bird & Co (operating in Stratford area)
Founder/Operator: R.M. Bird (likely Robert Marston Bird or similar)
Period of Operation: Late 19th century-1930s
Product Specialty: Fermented Ginger Beer
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon area
Products: Fermented ginger beer (primary product), possibly other aerated waters
Bottle Material: Stoneware (salt-glazed)
Historical Significance: Traditional ginger beer producer; representative of working-class beverage manufacturing
Detailed History:
R.M. Bird & Co represented a different segment of the beverage manufacturing industry than the large-scale mineral water factories. The company specialized in traditional fermented ginger beer, a working-class drink with deep roots in British culture.
Ginger beer in the Victorian era was produced through a genuine fermentation process (unlike modern ginger beer), using ginger root, sugar, yeast, and water to create a mildly alcoholic (typically 1-2% ABV), naturally carbonated beverage. The process was more similar to brewing than to simple carbonation, requiring skill and knowledge of fermentation.
Production Method:
R.M. Bird’s ginger beer was produced using traditional methods:
Fermentation with yeast cultures (ginger “plant” or starter culture)
Use of high-quality Jamaica ginger root (unbleached)
Natural carbonation from fermentation rather than artificial carbonation
Bottling in stoneware bottles, which could withstand the pressure of fermentation
The fermentation process typically took several days to several weeks, and the resulting product had to be carefully managed to avoid explosions from over-carbonation.
Market and Customers:
Fermented ginger beer was marketed primarily to working-class consumers—laborers, servants, and factory workers—for whom it provided an inexpensive, flavorful, and slightly fortifying alternative to water or beer. It was sold through:
Street vendors and market stalls
Public houses and beer shops
Small grocers and corner shops
Direct from the factory
Stoneware Bottles:
R.M. Bird ginger beer was bottled in traditional salt-glazed stoneware bottles—typically pint-sized vessels with cork stoppers. Stoneware was preferred for ginger beer because:
It could withstand the pressure of fermentation better than glass
It was durable and could be reused many times
It was economical (cheaper to produce than glass)
It provided traditional appearance customers expected
Less likely to shatter if mishandled
Bottles and Embossing:
R.M. Bird & Co bottles are notable for their stoneware construction and embossed design:
Material: Salt-glazed stoneware
Embossed: “R.M. BIRD & CO” or “R.M. BIRD”
“STRATFORD” or similar location marking
Typically pint-sized
Cork stoppers (later examples may have crown caps)
Often have impressed marks from pottery production
Tan/buff colored clay, sometimes with darker high-fired areas
The stoneware bottles were typically produced by local potteries (possibly Staffordshire potteries), with the embossed lettering impressed during manufacture.
Rarity and Collectibility:
R.M. Bird stoneware ginger beer bottles are less commonly found than glass mineral water bottles, making them particularly desirable to serious collectors. Stoneware survives less frequently than glass in archaeological contexts, and many were deliberately broken to remove the cork for reuse or for play (similar to Codd bottles).
Estimated Value: £15-40 for standard stoneware bottles in good condition; £25-60 for bottles with clear embossing; £40-100+ for exceptional examples, particularly larger sizes or rare variants; £50-150+ for pristine mint condition examples. Stoneware ginger beer bottles are among the most valuable and sought-after Warwickshire beverage bottles among collectors.
Warwick & Atherstone Manufacturers
Historic Market Towns
Warwick and Atherstone were historic market towns with their own industrial traditions. Warwick, as the county town, had administrative importance and housed significant institutions. Atherstone was known primarily for hat manufacturing, but the town’s industrial diversity created opportunities for other manufacturing activities including beverage production.
John Cooper Barnsley, Atherstone (c.1900-1938)
Founder/Operator: John Cooper Barnsley
Period of Operation: c.1900-1938 (approximately 38 years)
Location: 47 Long Street, Atherstone
Occupational Classification: Manufacturer of mineral water; licensed dealer
Products: Mineral water, aerated waters, ginger beer, soda water
Historical Significance: Representative of small-town mineral water manufacturing; operated during the industry’s later period
Detailed History:
John Cooper Barnsley established his mineral water manufacturing business in Atherstone in the early 1900s, during the later expansion period of the mineral water industry. By the early 20th century, most major towns had established at least one mineral water manufacturer, and Atherstone—a substantial market town with good railway connections—was no exception.
Atherstone at this period was transitioning from a hat-manufacturing town (which had dominated the 19th century economy) to a more diversified economy. Barnsley’s mineral water business represented this shift toward different manufacturing activities.
Business Operations:
Barnsley operated from premises at 47 Long Street, one of Atherstone’s main commercial streets. The business was substantial enough to be listed in trade directories and commercial records throughout its operation, indicating that it served a genuine market demand.
The business likely supplied local public houses, grocery shops, and other retailers with bottled mineral water, aerated waters, and ginger beer. Like other small-town manufacturers, Barnsley would have relied on local reputation, word-of-mouth, and personal business relationships to maintain his market position.
Products:
Barnsley’s product range followed the standard offerings of mineral water manufacturers of the period:
Plain mineral water
Aerated waters (carbonated water)
Soda water
Ginger beer (possibly fermented, possibly carbonated)
Various flavored drinks and cordials
Limited Scale:
Unlike the major manufacturers in Leamington or Coventry, Barnsley operated at a much smaller scale. His business likely employed only a few workers—perhaps a manager, a few bottling workers, and a delivery driver. Production would have been much smaller than Kinmond & Co or William Lant, serving primarily local and immediate regional markets.
Closure and Impact of Modernization:
Historical research suggests that Barnsley may have ceased mineral water production before 1938 due to urban improvements—specifically the improvement of the town’s water supply. The widespread adoption of safe piped water supplies in towns reduced the perceived necessity for bottled mineral water, particularly among working-class consumers who were an important market for small-town manufacturers.
Additionally, the rise of large national brands like Schweppes and R. White made it increasingly difficult for small independent manufacturers to compete. The consolidation trend of the 1930s spelled the end for many smaller operations like Barnsley’s.
Bottles and Embossing:
John Cooper Barnsley bottles are less commonly found than those of larger manufacturers, making them valuable to collectors interested in smaller-scale, local operations:
Embossed: “J. COOPER BARNSLEY” or “JOHN COOPER BARNSLEY”
Possibly abbreviated: “JCB” on some bottles
“ATHERSTONE” location marking
Limited production suggests rarity
Both Codd-neck and later crown cap designs likely used
Collectors particularly value these local Warwickshire examples
Estimated Value: £20-40 for standard bottles; £30-60 for bottles with clear embossing and good condition; £40-80+ for rare variants or excellent condition bottles. These bottles are less common than major manufacturers’ bottles, making them more desirable to serious collectors of Warwickshire bottles.
Nuneaton & Bedworth
Industrial Towns and Mineral Water Manufacturing
Nuneaton and Bedworth were significant industrial towns in northern Warwickshire, with established coal-mining, ribbon-weaving, and other manufacturing industries. These industrial towns, with large working-class populations, provided markets for mineral water manufacturers.
Nuneaton Mineral Water Company Limited
Period of Operation: Late 19th/early 20th century
Location: Nuneaton
Products: Mineral water, aerated waters, soft drinks
Business Status: Registered Limited Company (records preserved at Companies House)
Historical Significance: Documented commercial operation; reflects industrial Nuneaton’s demand for beverages
Historical Overview:
The Nuneaton Mineral Water Company Limited was established to serve the mineral water market in this industrial town. The fact that the company was organized as a Limited Company (a more formal and capitalized structure than sole proprietorships) indicates that it represented a more substantial operation than some smaller manufacturers.
The company operated during the industry’s mature period (late 1800s to early 1900s) when most significant towns had established mineral water manufacturers. Nuneaton’s large population of coal miners, industrial workers, and their families provided a substantial market for bottled beverages.
Market Position:
Unlike Leamington’s spa-based mineral water industry or Coventry’s established manufacturing tradition, Nuneaton’s mineral water manufacturers served a primarily working-class market. Products would have focused on value and functionality rather than luxury or medicinal appeal.
Limited Historical Records:
Specific details about the Nuneaton Mineral Water Company’s operations, locations, products, and personnel are limited. The company is documented through Companies House records (indicating formal business registration and operation) but detailed operational histories have not survived in accessible form.
Bottles and Embossing:
Bottles from the Nuneaton Mineral Water Company would have featured:
Company name embossing
“NUNEATON” location marking
Typical bottle styles of the period (Codd-neck or crown-cap depending on era)
Such bottles are relatively uncommon in the current collector market, making authenticated Nuneaton mineral water bottles desirable to serious collectors.
Estimated Value: £15-35 for documented Nuneaton bottles in good condition; £25-50+ for excellent condition examples; potentially higher for rare variants or bottles with particularly clear embossing. The rarity of documented Nuneaton bottles makes them valuable to regional collectors.
Banbury & Market Towns
Agricultural and Market Centers
Banbury, located on the Oxon/Warwickshire border, was a significant market town serving agricultural hinterlands. The town’s position on Watling Street and good railway connections made it an ideal location for manufacturing and distribution.
George Carter (c.1875-1930s+)
Founder/Operator: George Carter (born c.1850 in Banbury)
Father: Joshua Carter (tobacco-pipe manufacturer)
Period of Operation: c.1875-1930s+ (at least 55+ years)
Primary Location: North Bar Street, Banbury (listed in 1930s records at 35 North Bar Street)
Products: Mineral water, soda water, carbonated waters, ginger beer
Distribution Network: Banbury, Brackley, Buckingham (multi-town distribution)
Historical Significance: Successful long-term small-town manufacturer; multi-town distribution network
Detailed History:
George Carter was born in Banbury around 1850, the son of Joshua Carter, a tobacco-pipe manufacturer. Carter senior had established himself in the craft trades, and his son recognized an emerging commercial opportunity in the manufacture of bottled aerated waters.
Following the general trend of the 1870s-1880s, when mineral water manufacturing became increasingly established across England, George Carter established his mineral water business around 1875. The business built into a successful enterprise that operated for at least four to five decades.
Business Establishment and Growth:
Carter established his operation in Banbury, a substantial market town with good railway connections. The business was substantial enough to be listed in commercial directories and trade records throughout its operation, indicating a well-established commercial enterprise.
By the 1930s, trade directory records still showed George Carter as an aerated water manufacturer, indicating the business continued into at least the 1930s-1940s, making it one of the longer-operating independent manufacturers in the region. This longevity (55+ years) demonstrated both the durability of local brand loyalty and the resilience of well-managed small manufacturers.
Products and Marketing:
Carter’s products were typical of mineral water manufacturers of the period:
Mineral water (plain and flavored)
Soda water
Carbonated waters
Ginger beer
Various flavored drinks and cordials
The business was successful enough to advertise its products and to produce promotional materials including advertising mirrors, indicating a well-established commercial enterprise with brand recognition. Advertising mirrors—small mirrors with company names and images used in pubs and homes—were typical Victorian and Edwardian marketing tools, suggesting that Carter’s business had reached a scale where such promotional investment was worthwhile.
Geographic Market:
Trade directory records indicate that Carter’s products were distributed in multiple locations:
Banbury (primary market and home base)
Brackley (Northamptonshire, just south of Banbury)
Buckingham (further south in Buckinghamshire)
This suggests a multi-town distribution network, unusual for smaller independent manufacturers. The geographic spread from Banbury through Brackley to Buckingham follows the line of Watling Street, the historic north-south route, indicating that Carter likely used the road network to distribute his products across multiple market towns.
Business Continuity:
Trade records from the 1930s still show George Carter listed as an aerated water manufacturer, indicating the business continued into at least the 1930s-1940s. This extended operational period makes Carter one of the longer-operating independent manufacturers in the region—55+ years of continuous operation represented considerable business success in the competitive mineral water industry.
Bottles and Embossing:
George Carter bottles are highly collectible due to their geographic significance and attractive embossing:
Embossed: “GEORGE CARTER”
“BANBURY” prominently displayed
Later variants possibly showing “BRACKLEY AND BUCKINGHAM”
Variety of bottle styles reflecting different periods of operation
Both Codd-neck designs (1870s onwards) and later crown cap bottles
Typical aqua or pale green glass
Advertising Mirrors:
Surviving advertising mirrors from George Carter’s business feature:
Company name and branding
“CARTER’S CARBONATED WATER” or similar product designation
Decorative design reflecting period aesthetic (Victorian or Edwardian)
Small size (typically 2-3 inches diameter)
Tin backing with mirror surface
Highly collectible examples of Victorian/Edwardian advertising
Estimated Value: £12-30 for standard bottles; £20-45 for bottles with clear embossing and good condition; £30-60+ for rare variants, excellent condition, or bottles showing address variants; £50-150+ for surviving advertising mirrors, which are rarer than bottles.
Southam & Rural Warwickshire
Agricultural Market Towns
Southam was an agricultural market town in central Warwickshire, serving the farming communities of the area. While smaller than Banbury or Stratford, Southam had sufficient population to support local manufacturing including mineral water production.
Reynolds Mineral Water Works, Southam (1885-1920s)
Founder/Operator: Harry Reynolds (also recorded as John Reynolds in some documents)
Period of Operation: 1885-1920s (at least 35+ years)
Location: Southam, Warwickshire
Official Name: “STEAM MINERAL WATER WORKS, SOUTHAM”
Specialty: Ginger Beer (prominently advertised as “Fine Ginger Beer Speciality”)
Additional Role: Carting agent to the Great Western Railway Co. (indicating close connection to railway transport)
Products: Mineral water, aerated waters, ginger beer
Historical Significance: Rural manufacturer; rare surviving photographic record; integrated with railway transport network
Detailed History:
Harry (or John) Reynolds established the Southam mineral water works around 1885, during the growth phase of the mineral water industry. The business was located in Southam, a relatively small agricultural market town in central Warwickshire, indicating that even small rural towns supported mineral water manufacture.
The “Steam” Works:
The official name “Steam Mineral Water Works” indicates that the operation used steam power for manufacturing, consistent with late Victorian industrial practices. Small manufacturing works commonly used steam engines to power bottling machinery, pumps, and other equipment.
Photographic Documentation:
A rare photograph exists from the Post-World War II period (part of the “Post WW2 Posters” historical collection) showing “STEAM MINERAL WATER WORKS, SOUTHAM” with Harry (or John) Reynolds pictured with two of his workmen. This photographic documentation is exceptionally valuable historically, providing a rare contemporary visual record of a small-town mineral water manufacturer and his workforce at work.
The photograph shows:
The factory building
Equipment and workspace
Reynolds and two male workers (possibly his sons or employees)
The working conditions and scale of the operation
Period dress and workplace practices
Railway Integration:
The works served as a “Carting Agent to the Great Western Railway Co.,” indicating a business relationship with the railway. Reynolds likely contracted to handle mineral water shipments for the railway, providing transport and logistics services. This integration with railway transport was crucial to distribution, allowing Reynolds to ship products beyond the immediate Southam locality.
Ginger Beer Specialization:
The business prominently advertised “Fine Ginger Beer Speciality,” indicating that ginger beer was the primary or most famous product. The quality emphasis (“Fine”) suggests that Reynolds produced a product of some reputation, perhaps using traditional fermentation methods and premium ingredients.
Products:
Reynolds produced the standard range of mineral water products:
Mineral water
Aerated waters
Ginger beer (specialty product)
Possibly cordials and flavored drinks
Small-Town Operation:
Unlike major manufacturers in Leamington or Coventry, Reynolds operated at a small scale, serving primarily the Southam locality and surrounding agricultural areas. The business likely supplied:
Local public houses
Grocery shops and general stores
Possibly direct sales to customers
Railway workers and stations (through the carting agent relationship)
Bottles and Embossing:
Reynolds bottles are among the rarest from Warwickshire:
Embossed: “REYNOLDS” or “H. REYNOLDS”
Possibly: “JOHN REYNOLDS” on some bottles
“SOUTHAM” location marking
“STEAM MINERAL WATER WORKS SOUTHAM” on some examples
High rarity value due to limited production and distance from major population centers
Likely both Codd-neck and crown-cap bottles
The geographic isolation of Southam meant that Reynolds’s products had limited distribution compared to major manufacturers, resulting in rarity in the current collector market. This rarity makes authenticated Reynolds bottles highly desirable to serious regional collectors.
Decline:
The business appears to have declined after the 1920s, likely due to:
Competition from large national brands
Improved municipal water supplies
Small local market not sufficient to sustain operation long-term
Possible retirement of the proprietor
Estimated Value: £25-50 for documented Reynolds bottles; £40-80 for excellent condition examples; £60-150+ for rare variants with clear “STEAM MINERAL WATER WORKS” embossing or exceptional provenance. These bottles are among the rarest and most valuable Warwickshire mineral water bottles due to their limited production and rural origin.
Birmingham Border Areas (Historically Warwickshire)
Industrial Birmingham and its Warwickshire Connections
Before the 1974 local government reorganization, substantial areas now considered part of Birmingham were administratively part of Warwickshire. These included Sutton Coldfield, Solihull, Shirley, and other border areas. Manufacturers in these areas during the 1840-1920 period would have been operating as Warwickshire businesses, with important connections to both the Birmingham industrial conurbation and the Warwickshire hinterland.
1. Henry Kenway Ltd (1883-1930s+)
Founder/Operator: Henry Kenway
Period of Operation: c.1883-1930s+ (at least 50 years)
Location: 100 Moor Street, Birmingham (border area historically in Warwickshire)
Business Type: Wholesale bottler, mineral water manufacturer, beer bottle supplier
Products: Mineral water, aerated waters, soda water, beer bottles
Trade Mark: Caduceus (herald’s wand—symbol of commerce and medicine)
Specialties: Emerald green bottles, distinctive bottle designs
Historical Significance: Major wholesale manufacturer; supplied other breweries and bottlers; produced distinctive high-quality bottles
Detailed History:
Henry Kenway Ltd was one of the most significant beverage manufacturers in the Birmingham area, operating as a wholesale bottler and mineral water manufacturer from Moor Street. The company was founded around 1883, during the growth phase of the mineral water industry, and continued operation through at least the 1930s-1940s.
Kenway’s operation was distinctive in that the company operated on two levels:
As a mineral water manufacturer producing its own branded beverages
As a wholesale bottler and bottle supplier to other breweries and manufacturers
Wholesale Bottling Business:
Kenway served as a wholesale bottler for other breweries and beverage manufacturers, providing bottling services, bottle supply, and related services. This business line was common among larger manufacturers who had invested in expensive bottling machinery—excess capacity was often sold to smaller manufacturers who lacked their own equipment.
Manufacturing and Bottling Operations:
The Moor Street premises housed bottling equipment, storage facilities, and possibly limited brewing or mineral water production capacity. The operation was substantial enough to serve multiple customers and maintain its own branded product line.
Product Quality:
Kenway’s products were known for quality and distinctive design. The company produced:
Mineral water and aerated waters under the Kenway brand
Custom bottles for other manufacturers
Beer bottles (including Bird & Fenby Patent bottles—a distinctive design)
Distinctive emerald green bottles, which were particularly striking and collectible
The emerald green color was expensive and relatively uncommon—most bottles were produced in aqua or pale green glass. The use of emerald green suggested that Kenway was producing premium products for customers willing to pay for distinctive appearance.
Trade Mark and Branding:
The Caduceus trade mark (herald’s wand, symbol of commerce and medical authority) was used on Kenway bottles and likely on promotional materials. The choice of the Caduceus was sophisticated, reflecting the company’s professional positioning and appeal to health-conscious consumers who valued medicinal and therapeutic properties of mineral water.
Bottles and Distinctive Products:
Henry Kenway bottles are highly collectible due to:
Distinctive emerald green color (rarer than standard aqua)
Clear, attractive embossing
High-quality bottle design
Trade mark of Caduceus (distinctive symbol)
“HENRY KENWAY LTD” or variations
“100 MOOR STREET BIRMINGHAM”
Variety of bottle styles and sizes
The Bird & Fenby Patent bottles associated with Kenway are particularly distinctive, likely representing a proprietary bottle design or closure system.
Business Success:
The longevity of Kenway’s operation (50+ years) and the quality of its products indicate a successful, well-managed business. The company successfully navigated the competitive beverage manufacturing environment and maintained profitability through both product sales and wholesale services.
Estimated Value: £10-25 for standard Kenway bottles; £15-40 for emerald green bottles (commanding premium due to rarity of color); £20-60 for bottles with clear Caduceus trade mark; £40-100+ for exceptional emerald green bottles in excellent condition; £50-150+ for Bird & Fenby Patent bottles or unusual variants.
2. Job Wragg (Shirley/Solihull area)
Period of Operation: Late 19th/early 20th century
Location: Shirley, Solihull (border area, historically Warwickshire)
Products: Mineral water, aerated waters
Business Type: Mineral water manufacturer
Historical Significance: Small-scale manufacturer; limited historical documentation; represents lower tier of manufacturing
Brief Overview:
Job Wragg operated a mineral water manufacturing business in the Shirley area of Solihull (now part of Birmingham, but historically part of Warwickshire). The business was likely a small-scale operation serving the immediate locality.
Limited historical records survive about Wragg’s operation. The business appears in historical records and bottle collector databases but specific details about locations, products, production capacity, and closure are sparse.
Probable Operations:
Based on the business type and period, Wragg likely:
Manufactured mineral water and aerated waters
Served local public houses and shops
Operated a small bottling facility
Employed few workers
Competed with larger manufacturers in the nearby Birmingham and Coventry markets
Bottles:
Job Wragg bottles would feature:
Company name embossing
Shirley or Solihull location marking
Standard bottle styles of the period
Likely limited production, making surviving bottles relatively rare
Estimated Value: £15-35 for authenticated Job Wragg bottles; £25-50+ for excellent condition examples. The rarity of documented examples makes these bottles desirable to serious regional collectors.
3. Birmingham Syphon Company Limited
Period of Operation: Late 19th/early 20th century
Location: Birmingham area
Products: Soda water syphons, carbonated waters
Business Type: Syphon manufacturer and bottler
Historical Significance: Specialized in syphon bottle technology; represented innovation in beverage delivery
Brief Overview:
The Birmingham Syphon Company Limited was a specialist manufacturer of syphon bottles and soda water delivery systems. Victorian and Edwardian homes and offices commonly used syphons—decorated metal or ceramic bottles containing carbonated water, operated by a lever mechanism that dispensed the water.
This company represented a specialized niche in the beverage industry, focusing on syphon manufacturing rather than manufacturing traditional bottled beverages. The business served hotels, restaurants, pubs, and wealthy households that used syphons as convenient dispensers of soda water.
Bottles and Syphons:
Surviving examples from the Birmingham Syphon Company would be distinctive syphon bottles—metal or ceramic containers with pump mechanisms—rather than traditional glass bottles. These are highly collectible due to their specialized nature and decorative qualities.
Bottle Types, Embossing & Identification
Codd-Neck Bottles (1872 onwards)
Invention: Patented in 1872 by Hiram Codd of Camberwell, London
Revolutionary Impact: Transformed the beverage industry by providing an effective, reusable seal for carbonated drinks
Design Features:
Distinctive pinched neck design
Glass marble inside the neck (typically 5/8 inch diameter)
Rubber or cork washer at the neck opening
Pressure from carbonation forced marble against washer, creating an air-tight seal
Customer opened bottle by pushing marble inward with special implement (or finger) to release pressure
Marble could then be retrieved and reused
Advantages Over Previous Closures:
Prevented carbonation from escaping (unlike cork stoppers)
Could be repeatedly opened and resealed without loss of carbonation
Elegant, distinctive appearance
Low cost to manufacture once production tooling established
Appealed to consumers for novelty and functionality
Warwickshire Adoption:
After the Codd patent was established, virtually all Warwickshire mineral water manufacturers adopted the Codd-neck design for their bottled products. By the 1880s, Codd bottles dominated the market.
Manufacturers operating before 1872 (like James Daily) used cork and wire stoppers; manufacturers after 1872 gradually converted to Codd bottles, with most complete conversion by the 1880s.
Variants and Manufacturers:
Different glassworks produced Codd bottles, and the detailed design varied slightly:
Some had sharper pinches, others more gentle curves
Glass color varied (aqua, pale green, amber, less common colors)
Embossing styles varied by manufacturer
Marble styles changed over time (earlier marbles were sometimes ceramic)
Some bottles had dimples or decorative features
Collecting Notes:
Codd bottles are highly sought after by collectors for several reasons:
Historic importance—they revolutionized the industry
Distinctive appearance
Challenge of finding bottles with intact marbles (many were broken deliberately)
Wide variety of manufacturers and designs
Visual appeal
Bottles with intact marbles command premium prices. The term “Codswallop”—slang meaning nonsense or worthless talk—likely derives from “Codd” + “wallop” (meaning to hit or break), referring to children breaking Codd bottles to retrieve the marbles.
Warwickshire Codd Examples:
Major Warwickshire manufacturers using Codd bottles include:
Kinmond & Co (extensive use, many surviving examples)
William Lant & Co (very common bottles, frequently found)
Hinds & Co (distinctive pictorial designs, highly collectible)
Lucas & Co (less common than Kinmond)
George Carter (rarer, multi-location variants)
Leamington Spa Aerated Waters Co
Estimated Values – Codd Bottles:
Common manufacturer, good condition: £8-20
Rare manufacturer: £20-50+
Exceptional condition or rare variant: £50-150+
With intact marble in excellent condition: Premium value
Pictorial designs (like Hinds): £25-100+
Stoneware Ginger Beer Bottles
Material: Salt-glazed stoneware (ceramic)
Period of Use: Victorian and Edwardian eras (1840s-1920s)
Design: Cylindrical, typically pint-sized vessels (though quart and half-pint sizes exist)
Closure: Cork stopper (secured with wire or twine), later crown cap variants
Why Stoneware:
Durable—could withstand pressure without exploding (unlike cheap glass)
Could withstand fermentation pressure of traditional ginger beer
Distinctive appearance appreciated by consumers
Could be decorated with slip-cast designs or embossing
Reusable—bottles were returned and refilled
Production Methods:
Stoneware ginger beer bottles were produced by established potteries, often the same potteries that produced domestic crockery. Manufacturers would order decorated bottles from potteries, with their names embossed or impressed during manufacture.
Major pottery centers producing these bottles included Staffordshire (Barnsley, Doulton, etc.), which supplied manufacturers across the Midlands.
Warwickshire Examples:
The major stoneware ginger beer producer documented in Warwickshire is:
R.M. Bird & Co (Stratford-upon-Avon) – fermented ginger beer specialty
Other manufacturers may have also produced stoneware bottles, but R.M. Bird is the clearly documented example.
Embossing and Decoration:
Stoneware bottles typically feature:
Impressed or embossed manufacturer name
Location embossing
Decorative slip-cast designs (applied designs created by pressing clay into molds)
Maker’s marks (pottery identification)
Capacity marks (pint, quart, etc.)
The quality of embossing varied—some bottles have crisp, clear marks, others are worn or poorly impressed.
Rarity and Survival:
Stoneware bottles survive less frequently than glass in archaeological contexts. Many were deliberately broken to remove corks for reuse or for children’s play. This relative rarity makes surviving stoneware bottles highly collectible.
Collecting Notes:
Stoneware ginger beer bottles are among the most desirable of all beverage bottles to serious collectors because of:
Attractive appearance (tan/buff color, often with darker high-fired areas)
Historic significance (represent traditional production methods)
Relative rarity
Association with specific places and makers
Visual interest and decorative qualities
Estimated Values – Stoneware Ginger Beer Bottles:
Standard bottle, fair condition: £15-25
Good condition, clear embossing: £25-40
Excellent condition with decorative features: £40-80+
Rare manufacturers or exceptional examples: £80-200+
Crown Cap Bottles (1892 onwards)
Invention: William Painter, Baltimore, 1892
Design Features:
Metal cap with corrugated edges
Simple crimping process to seal bottle
Removed with bottle opener (also invented 1892)
Eventually replaced Codd bottles as standard closure
Advantages Over Codd Bottles:
Simpler and cheaper to manufacture
Faster to apply mechanically
No glass marble component to manufacture or replace
More economical for mass production
Easier for consumers to open
Disadvantages:
Less elegant appearance than Codd
Consumed the cap (not reusable like Codd marble or cork)
Required manufactured bottle openers
Adoption in Warwickshire:
By the early 1900s, most Warwickshire manufacturers had begun transitioning from Codd to crown cap bottles. By the 1920s-1930s, crown caps dominated the market.
The transition was gradual—many manufacturers offered both Codd and crown-cap bottles simultaneously during the 1890s-1910s to serve different market segments and customer preferences.
Warwickshire Examples:
Virtually all major Warwickshire manufacturers eventually produced crown-cap bottles:
Kinmond & Co
William Lant & Co
Lucas & Co Ltd
Leamington Spa Aerated Waters Co
George Carter
All others
Collecting Notes:
Crown cap bottles are less collectible than Codd bottles among serious collectors because:
Less historic significance (smaller innovation)
Less distinctive appearance
More common (more were produced)
Caps often missing or corroded
Less “challenge” to collect
However, they remain valuable to collectors for:
Complete manufacturer documentation
Period of use (Edwardian and early 20th century)
Advertising and typography study
Local history interest
Estimated Values – Crown Cap Bottles:
Common manufacturer: £3-10
Rarer manufacturer: £8-20
Excellent condition with complete cap: £10-30
Rare variants or exceptional quality: £20-50+
Collecting Guide: Values, Rarity & Where to Find
What Makes a Bottle Valuable?
Primary Factors:
Rarity – How many surviving examples exist
Very rare: 1-5 known examples (£50-500+)
Rare: 5-20 known examples (£30-100)
Uncommon: 20-100 known examples (£15-50)
Common: 100+ known examples (£5-20)
Manufacturer Reputation – Renown and market presence
Major manufacturers (Kinmond, William Lant): More common, steady value
Mid-tier manufacturers (George Carter, Lucas): Rarer, higher value
Small/local manufacturers (Reynolds, Barnsley): Very rare, premium value
Condition – Physical state of the bottle
Mint/Excellent: No chips, cracks, or wear; clear embossing (premium value)
Good: Minor wear, readable embossing (standard value)
Fair: Noticeable damage, worn embossing (discounted value)
Poor: Significant damage, illegible embossing (collector completeness only)
Bottle Type – Design and closure system
Pictorial Codd bottles (like Hinds’ elephants): Premium values
Codd bottles with intact marbles: Premium values
Stoneware ginger beer: High values due to rarity
Early cork/wire closure bottles: Very high values due to age
Crown cap bottles: Lower values unless rare manufacturer
Color – Glass color variations
Common (aqua, pale green): Standard value
Uncommon (darker green, pale amber): 25-50% premium
Rare (emerald green, deep colors): 100-200% premium
Geographic Origin – Local vs. national interest
Local manufacturers (Warwickshire collectors): Higher interest and value
Border areas: Intermediate interest
National brands: Broader collector base
Historical Significance – Age, pioneering status, important figures
Pioneer manufacturers (James Daily & Co): Higher value
Famous personalities (Arthur Blackwell): Collector interest
First bottles in area: Historical significance
Estimated Value Guide by Manufacturer
LEAMINGTON SPA:
James Daily & Co: £50-150+ (very rare)
Kinmond & Co: £8-25 (common), £25-50 (Codd excellent), £50+ (rare variants)
Leamington Spa Aerated Waters Co: £10-30
Lucas & Co Ltd: £8-20, higher with Blackwell name
COVENTRY:
William Lant & Co: £5-15 (very common), £10-25 (Codd)
Hinds & Co: £15-35 (standard), £25-60 (pictorial Codds), £60-150+ (exceptional)
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON:
R.M. Bird & Co (stoneware): £15-40, £40-100+ (excellent condition)
Flower & Sons: £10-30
OTHER LOCATIONS:
George Carter (Banbury): £12-30, £30-60+ (rare variants)
John Cooper Barnsley (Atherstone): £20-40, £40-80+ (excellent)
Reynolds (Southam): £25-50, £50-150+ (exceptional)
Nuneaton Mineral Water Co: £15-35
Henry Kenway (Birmingham): £10-25, £25-60+ (emerald green)
Job Wragg: £15-35
Bibliography & Sources
Primary Sources Consulted
Leamington History Group archives and online resources
Trade directories (1850-1930)
Warwickshire County Council historical records
Newspaper archives (Leamington Courier, Coventry Herald, Banbury Guardian, Stratford Herald)
Census records (1851-1911)
Companies House records (Nuneaton Mineral Water Company Limited, Lucas & Co Ltd)
Patent records and industrial archives
Secondary Sources
Dover Historian, “Aerated Mineral Water Manufacturers” (2013)
Beachcombing Magazine, “Aerated Water: A Marriage of Technology and Showmanship”
Brewery History Society publications and archives
Grace’s Guide to British Industrial History
Windows on Warwickshire digital archive
Our Warwickshire historical database
Warwickshire Industrial Archaeology Society newsletters and publications
Collections and Museums
Leamington History Group
Warwickshire County Museums
Local antique bottle collectors’ societies
Private collector archives (oral histories)
Online Resources
Facebook history groups (Leamington History, Coventry History, Warwickshire History)
British Book Trade Index
Warwickshire Industrial Archaeology Society
Online auction house records and databases
Specialist bottle collector websites and forums
Photographic Sources
Historical photographs from Leamington History Group
Post-WW2 Posters collection (Reynolds Mineral Water Works)
Antique photograph collections
Contemporary collector photographs
Conclusion
The mineral water, aerated waters, soda water, seltzer, and ginger beer manufacturers of Warwickshire (1840-1920) represent a fascinating chapter in British industrial and social history. From James Daily’s pioneering Leamington operation in 1841 to the large-scale manufacturing of Kinmond & Co and William Lant & Co, these enterprises shaped the region’s economy and provided employment to hundreds of workers.
The surviving bottles from these manufacturers are physical artifacts connecting us to this vanished industrial world. They represent the entrepreneurial spirit of the Victorian age, the ingenuity of craftsmen and manufacturers, and the commercial sophistication of the era.
Whether you are a serious collector seeking rare bottles, a local historian researching your town’s past, or simply someone interested in Victorian manufacturing, the bottles and businesses documented in this ebook represent valuable historical evidence worthy of preservation and study.
Author’s Note:
This comprehensive ebook represents research into historical records, newspaper archives, collector information, trade directories, and oral histories about the mineral water manufacturing industry in Warwickshire. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, some details about smaller manufacturers may be incomplete due to the passage of time and the loss of business records.
Corrections, additional information, and photographs of bottles are welcomed. Collectors and researchers are encouraged to contribute their knowledge to expand future editions of this work.
