Bullard & Sons Ltd
Brewers
Business reminiscence page
- 1837: Richard Bullard moved to premises near St Miles Bridge. In partnership with James Watts he founded the Anchor Brewery.
- 1847: James Watts was a manufacturer and decided not to pursue the Brewery business. The partnership was dissolved this year, leaving Richard Bullard as Sole Proprietor. Richard Bullard worked hard and was able to develop a product that became extremely popular to the drinking public throughout Norfolk.
- 1850: Due to the popularity of Richard's brew, he was able to purchase surrounding land to house buildings over a 4 acre area.
- 1853: By this year, Richard had 10 children.
- 1854: At this time, records (White's Directory) indicate there were 17 Brewers in Norwich
- Circa 1861: Harry Bullard joined the business. He had worked for J K Hooper & Sons Wine Merchants and had spent much time travelling to learn the best way to produce and blend wines.
- 1864: At age 56 Richard Bullard died.
- 1874: A partnership agreement was made between Harry, Charley and Fred Bullard.
- 1877: Harry was elected Sheriff of Norwich.
- 1878: Harry was elected Mayor of Norwich. This year there was a great flood in Norwich when the river Wensum overflowed it's banks and spilled out into the streets. The Brewery was inundated with water and many people were trapped in their homes.
- 1879: Harry was elected Mayor of Norwich.
- 1885: A band was established by the Anchor Brewery and Mr E J Gaul was the Band-Master.
- 1886: Harry was elected Mayor of Norwich, again. He was knighted by Queen Victoria.
- 1895: The firm became limited - Bullard & Sons Ltd. Directors were Sir Harry Bullard, Mr John Boyce and Mr George Arthur Coller
- 1897: The 'Mineral Water Manufactory' was opened - in Lower Westwick Street
- 1900: Mr John Boyce died this year. Donald Gaul replaced him as a Director.
- 1903: Sir Harry Bullard died this year. Edward John Bullard was appointed as a Director. Ernest Bullard, Charley's son joined the business. Gerald Thomas Bullard, son of Sir Harry Bullard had oversight of the 'Mineral Water Manufactory' in Lower Westwick Street
- 1937: Bullards continued to be a successful business and this year Mr Gerald Bullard joined the Company. He had been educated at the Birmingham School of Brewing.
- 1942: The maltings on St Swithins were bombed but were repaired.
- 1950: Mr Gerald Bullard returned to the business after spending some time in the Royal Navy. He was appointed as a Director.
- 1951: Mr Gerald Bullard was appointed Chairman.
- 1957: Bullards built an extension to the Bottling Store.
- 1961: In conjunction with John Morse of Steward and Patteson Brewers) , Mr Gerald Bullard bought Morgans. who owned 400 properties. At this time, Bullards owned 1,000 public houses. Morgans Brewery in King Street was sold to Watneys.
- 1963: Shares in both Bullards and John Morse were sold to Watneys and ownership passed to Watneys. Both Gerald Bullard and John Morse joined the board of Watney Mann Ltd as Directors.
- 1966: An announcement was made that brewing would be moved from the Anchor Brewery to Watney Mann Ltd in London.
- 1971: The Anchor Brewery site was offered for sale by Watney Mann Ltd.
- 1972: The property was purchased by Mr R G Lawrence of Colney Hall.
- 1974: Gerald Bullard retired as Chairman of Watney Mann (East Anglia) Ltd