Local brewer and pub co, Wells & Co has launched a new beer to celebrate the 175th birthday of Josephine Wells, the wife of their founder Charles.
While much has been made of Charles Wells and his work to create Bedford’s family brewer in 1849, Josephine, until recently, was left in his shadows.
But, after a campaign launched by the brewer last year to celebrate her importance in their history, Josephine’s role has become ever more prevalent in their story.
“Josephine Wells was my great-great-grandmother and the longstanding wife of our founder, Charles Wells,” said CEO of Wells & Co., Peter Wells.
“As a mother of eight and guiding family force, Josephine has been a huge inspiration behind the Brewpoint beer range, having played a significant role in the history of Wells & Co.
“To be able to commemorate what would have been her 175th birthday shows just how far we have come.”
Unsung hero
Josephine is described as the wind in Charles’ sails, and with good reason.
In the early 1870s when on leave from the merchant navy, Charles met and fell madly in love with Josephine.
But Josephine’s father said Charles could only marry his daughter if left the navy and set up his own local business. With this, he gave up his sea-faring career, settled on dry land and became a brewer.
Charles and Josephine were married at Banbury Church in Oxfordshire on 24 September 1872, and a few years later, in 1876, Charles Wells bought the Horne Lane Brewery.
Back then it was on the banks of the River Great Ouse in Bedford and the purchase also included 36 pubs which then became part of Charles Wells Family Brewery.
While Charles has always been central to its brewing story, by his side was unsung hero Josephine, who was also central to this family brewing business becoming firmly anchored in Bedford.
New beer
‘Josie 175’ is a limited batch of chardonnay barrel-aged pilsner, created to celebrate the life of Josephine Wells.
Commemorating how much of an inspiration she was and is to the business, Josie 175 is a special brew which will be sold in bottles at Brewpoint and their webshop.
There will also be one keg to pour at the Brewpoint taproom and one keg available at Beerfly on St Cuthbert’s St in Bedford.
All pubs managed by Wells & Co are offering a free pint from a selected range for guests to raise a glass to Josephine from Tuesday 22 October until Tuesday, 29 October.
You can also read more about Josephine Wells and the part she played in Bedford’s brewing history, as well as see exclusive birthday artwork, in the November edition of the Bedford Clanger.
