As we raise a glass to 150 years of Wells & Co’s brewing history in Bedford, a new display at the Higgins Bedford tells the story of one of the town’s most enduring family businesses.
The free display explores the story of the family-run brewery and its connection to the local community since its founding in 1876.
Visitors are taken on a journey through the company’s three historic breweries, highlighting key moments, people and places that have shaped the business over the last 150 years.
Founded by Bedford-born entrepreneur Charles Wells in 1876, the business was known as Charles Wells for much of its history before becoming Wells & Co. in 2019.
The display traces the company’s evolution from the original Horne Lane brewery, where the Wells family lived and worked alongside the business, through to its current home at Brewpoint, highlighting the connection between the company and the town in which it was founded.
Bedford’s brewing heritage
Located at the entrance to the museum’s first-floor galleries, the display provides a fascinating introduction to the story of Wells & Co., featuring historic photographs, memorabilia and artefacts that help bring Bedford’s brewing heritage to life.
The display will remain on show until April 2027 and is free to visit as part of a trip to The Higgins Bedford.
The Higgins Museum is a particularly fitting home for the display.
The museum itself stands on the site of a former brewery, creating a direct link between Bedford’s brewing heritage and the wider story of the town.
A family affair
The display was officially launched following a special gathering of members of the Wells family, who travelled from across the world to Bedford as part of the company’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
Peter Wells, chief executive of Wells & Co., said: “Reaching 150 years is a remarkable milestone for any business and one that gives us an opportunity to reflect on where we have come from.
“Since my great-great-grandfather Charles Wells established a brewery in Bedford in 1876, our family and our business have remained closely connected to the town.
“While Wells & Co. has evolved and grown far beyond Bedford, our roots remain firmly here and continue to shape who we are today.
“This exhibition provides a wonderful overview of our journey, celebrating the people, places and values that have shaped us over the past century and a half.”
The display forms part of a wider programme of activity marking the 150th anniversary of Wells & Co. and complements the company’s own museum collection, while providing visitors with a concise introduction to the history of brewing in Bedford.
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, MK40 3XD. thehigginsbedford.org.uk
Admission is free. Check website for opening times.
