Early Ginger Beer Producers

A number of ginger beer and aerated water producers are identified in the 1844, 1850 and 1852 trade directories, bottles from these companies are not currently known;

· Thomas Crossman was in operation by 1852 from premises at 46 King St, Devonport.

· Benjamin Gruzilier was another very early ginger beer producer, the 1852 directory shows him operating from Frankfort Lane, Plymouth. As with many of the other early producers, bottles bearing his name have not yet been recovered. In the 1844 directory he is listed as a chemist operating from 17 Union St, this is one of many early mineral water companies that grew out of other related businesses such as chemists, bakers and confectioners

However, the 1878 directory lists William Henry Gruzilier as operating from these premises along with Anstice & Co, this probably indicates that Gruziliers operations were taken over by Anstice & Co at this time.

· William & James Romia operated from premises at 16 Bilbury St, Plymouth. The company appears in the 1852 trade directory

· Nicholas Tabb operated as a ginger beer manufacturer from the Guildhall Wine & Spirit Vaults, 1 Whimple St, Plymouth. He is listed in the 1850 and 1852 trade directories

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