Councillor Barrie Jennings, of Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, and the Arkell family have unveiled a commemorative plaque on the site where John Arkell, founder, started brewing in 1843.

Alex Arkell, sixth generation of the family said: “John, our great, great, great, grandfather built his brewery at exactly the most important moment in Swindon’s history. Three miles across the fields from his farm, Isambard Kingdom Brunel opened his great Swindon Railway Works that same year.

“Our history is inextricably linked to the growth of the railway works and then the subsequent growth of Swindon in the surrounding area. John saw the potential of this little town and 180 years later we’re still here and very thankful he chose this spot.”

The decision to mount a plaque was proposed by Stratton St Margaret Parish Council. Cllr Robert Jandy said: “As one of my final duties as parish chair, I am proud that John Arkell has finally been recognised by being awarded a blue plaque, a man and family so important to Stratton St Margaret. 

“Arkell’s is one of less than 30 family breweries remaining in the UK. As Swindon’s oldest business, Arkell’s has kept its founding values alive and continues to produce local beer for local customers.”

More information on the brewery’s history can be found in the archive centre on the upper floor of the Grape & Grain Wine & Brewery Warehouse. 

Here you can take a walk back in time to enjoy a tour through the key dates in Arkell’s history, view pub signs, archive adverts, videos, and an animated explanation of how their beer is brewed. 

Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays). Alternatively join a brewery tour, bookable at https://www.arkells.com/tour

Pictured above: Barrie Jennings, James Arkell and descendants of John Arkell; below: plaque