Derry

William Derry & Co were ale & porter merchants and brewers agents operating from premises in Union Street, Plymouth. The company operated from before 1844 until around 1911. The Derry family were important figures in the local community being responsible for construction of the eponymously named Derry’s clock (although in theory it was actually a fountain as a means of overcoming building regulations).

The 1850 trade directory lists a firm of ale & porter merchants called Derry & Westlake operating from 9 Kinterbury St, Plymouth, this is possibly William Derry’s interim venture as Derry & Co does not appear until 1852 and William Derry is listed as an ale & porter merchant in 1844.

A variety of bottles from the company are found, mainly comprising dark glass beer bottles of differing types.

Dark glass beer bottles from Derry & Co

Large stoneware flagon used by Derry & Co

Early beer bottle from Derry & Co omitting “Plymouth”

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