St Mary's Cray

Above postcard circa 1900, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

John Carnell Snelling, High Street.

Listed in Directories of 1870, 1875 and 1895. John Snelling was born in St Mary Cray in 1842 the son of a prosperous miller and landowner. He worked initially as a clerk to a corn merchant (1861) but became a brewer during the 1860s, being listed as such in the 1871 census. Ten years later he was a brewer and miller employing three men and one boy. He was still a brewer in 1901 although, curiously, the words “on own account” are crossed out in the Census Enumerator’s Book. Perhaps G. W. Burrows already had an interest at this time. It is also possible that Snelling was in failing health for he died in 1902.

George William Burrows, Crays Brewery

Listed in a Directory of 1905. George William Burrows (born Lambeth 1847) was a provision merchant in North Cray and would no doubt have dealt with Snelling as regards flour and possibly ale at a time when grocers sold bottled ales and stout as a foodstuff. The Crays Brewery was acquired by Reffells Bexley Brewery Ltd. in October 1910 consequent upon the death of G. W. Burrows.

Above information by Peter Moynahan.