The Legend Continues
Did you find history boring at school?
Well, imagine you’re sitting in a friendly pub next to a roaring fire, with a pint of Theakston in your hand.
It tastes great, and your mind gets to wondering how such a beer could come about.
865AD
Guthrum divides the kingdom of Deira and forms the equivalent of North Yorkshire (North Thryding), in which the market town of Masham is found.
1066
Nigel de Albini bequeathed the 'realm' of Masham by William the Conqueror for helping defeat the English.
1086
The Domesday Book mentions the village of Theakston, the namesake for the family.
1138
Roger de Mowbray succeeds his father Nigel and becomes a knight.
12th Century
Roger de Mowbray decides to donate the living of the church at Masham to the church of St Peter in York. The journey from York to Masham is both arduous and dangerous, so the Bishop of York sets up the 'Peculier Court of Masham' to avoid having to make regular visits.
1587
Sir Richard Theakston is knighted and the Theakston coat of arms is created.
1741
Granting of current seal of the ‘Peculier Court of Masham’ by George III.
1827
Robert Theakston sets up brewery at the Black Bull pub.
1832
John Wood dies. Robert had married John Wood's sister, Elanor, a few years earlier.
1875
Robert’s son Thomas takes over and builds the new brewery, which is still in use today.
1905
T&R Theakston becomes a limited company.
1919
Lightfoot Brewery is acquired, it is rumoured this is because they
always beat us at cricket.
1941
Old White Bear Inn is destroyed by an enemy bomb and the old
brewery cottages are converted to the new White Bear Inn.
1968
Michael Theakston joins the Brewery.
1974
Acquire Carlisle State Management Brewery, the only state-owned brewery (nationalised by Lloyd George in 1914, to control the excessive drinking by the munitions workers of Carlisle).
1981
Simon Theakston joins brewery.
1984
Matthew Brown plc, a Blackburn based brewer, takes control of T&R Theakston.
1987
Scottish & Newcastle take over Matthew Brown, and T&R Theakston with it.
1995
Current brewery cooper, Jonathan Manby, starts work. Trained by Clive Hollis, master brewer and cooper, Jonathan is one of the few remaining coopers in the country.
2003
Theakston Brothers (Nick, Simon, Tim and Edward) regain control of the brewery – the fifth generation of Theakston brewers.