[Weller History home page] [Weller family tree]
Key to publication codes
BE = Bucks Examiner (microfilm at Chesham).
BH = Bucks Herald (microfilm at Aylesbury).
SBFP = South Bucks Free Press (microfilm at Aylesbury).
BAAN = Bucks Advertiser and Aylesbury News (microfilm at Aylesbury).
28 May 1853 [BAAN], p. 5: "On Saturday afternoon, a fire broke out at Mr. Henry King's, Queen' 5 Head public house. As he was a blacksmith, and his shop adjoined the house, it caught fire by the sparks, but by assistance it only destroyed the shop and the dwelling-house. There were three engines on the spot - those belonging to the Parish, to T. T. Drake Esq., and to William Weller, Esq.
3 June 1854 [BH], p. 3: "THE INNKEEPERS.- A circular having been issued to the innkeepers of this town and neighbourhood since the passing of extra duty on malt, recommending a rise of one penny per pot of beer, followed by another circular inviting them to convene a public meeting on the subject, a meeting of innkeepers, variously estimated from 70 to 120, met at the Griffin Inn, in this place, on Monday last, Mr. Day, of the Swan Inn, in the chair. A resolution was passed to continue the price of beer to the public as it has hitherto been, and offering Mr. Weller 1s per barrel towards the increase of duty; but that gentleman having declined taking less than 2s, the meeting separated without coming to any other determination.
9 December 1854 [BAAN], p. 5: "On Wednesday, a meeting was called by handbills to take into consideration the propriety of lighting the town, W. Weller Esq., in the chair. It was resolved - That 13 lamps should be erected, the cost to be defrayed by voluntary contributions. A subscription was at once commenced.
12 Hay 1855 [BH], p. 3: "FIRE ENGINE.- After years of misery, when a fire broke out, we are at last to have a fire-engine. A meting was held at the Griffin, on Tuesday last, under the presidency of Mr. Weller, when a list of subscription was read, which covered all the expenses of a purchase in London, recently made by that gentleman and a committee of three or four others, and which included his own name for £50 and the 'Squire's for £100. At the same meeting, the preliminaries for establishing an effective fire brigade, and other matters for the proper working of the engine were arranged.
12 November 1857 [BH], p. 6: THE REV C. H. SPURGEON .- Very extensive preparations are being made in this town for the accommodation of an influx of visitors who are expected on the 24th, when two sermons will be preached by the Rev C. H. Spurgeon, in a field kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. W Weller. A marquee, 200 feet long is being fitted up and lighted with gas, and a numerous attendance is expected.
17 September 1859 [BAAN], p. 5: It is our painful duty to record the death of Mr. William Weller, which took place on Thursday morning last, September 8th, at the Brewery, Church Street. Aged 62. For many months past the deceased has kept aloof from business, by the especial directions of his medical advisors confident that quietude, for a period, would enable him to resume those pursuits which his active mind had fitted him... He has left a widow to mourne the loss of a kind and affectionate husband, and eleven children who have cause to deeply grieve for his departure. For upwards of twenty years he has been well known in the district as an active partner in the Brewery. In 1850 this extensive establishment ceased to be a Joint concern, falling at this time into the hands of the deceased. However much he might previously have benefited the town, from this period the interests of Amersham receive in him a constant, warm, and ardent well-wisher... His exertions to aid the town, on several occasions - especially in trying to bring railway accommodation into it - won for him the esteem of those who clearly discovered the necessity of such a desideratum The mortal remains of this worthy man will be interred in the new cemetery, on Saturday (this day) at one o'clock." (from Bucks Advertiser).
24 September 1859 [BH], p. 6: "FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR W. WELLER.- The mortal remains of the late Mr. W. Weller, were interred in the new cemetery, on Saturday last, the body being followed to its last resting-place on earth by the members of the deceased's family, the tenants, servants, etc." (Bucks Herald)
28 April 1866 [BH], p. 6: "THE FIRE ENGINE.- A public meeting was held on Tuesday in the Town Hall to consider the state of the fire-engine; W. Weller Esq., occupied the chair. the following proposition was put.- "That this meeting, having regard to the welfare of the community and being desirous of securing to each parishioner the benefit arising from the fire-engine now in possession of the Amersham Volunteer Fire Brigade, deems it expedient that all rules, appointments, and other matters, connected with such brigade forthwith be revoked and rescinded, and that the brigade be disbanded and a new one formed." This produced considerable excitement, and after some caustic remarks, Mr. Wilkes proposed an amendment, which Mr. Hailey seconded, "That it is undesirable to disband the present brigade, although some alterations in the rules are desirable." The amendment was submitted to the meeting, when there appeared in its favour 16, and for the original motion 3. Mr. Morten, superintendent of the brigade, and Mr. E. Hailey, the engineer, then stated that at the proper time they should resign. The meeting then separated, and before the chairman vacated his seat Mr. Adams tendered the resignation of five members of the brigade."
4 October 1873 [BH], p. 6: "Opening of New National Schools.- When the Elementary Education Act became law, Amersham, like many other parishes, found itself wanting in the matter of school accommodation... The accommodation required by the parish was for about 284 children, 30 of whom were to be provided for by an infant's department at Woodrow, a short distance from Amersham. A vestry meeting was held, and a committee appointed to superintend the erection of the schools... They entered into a contract for the erection of a building at Amersham, costing £1.275, and another and a smaller one at Woodrow, costing £155; making £1,439 for buildings, and this, with furniture, and legal and professional expenses, brought up the total expenditure to £1,625. This was a large sum, but the appeal of the committee was met most liberally... T. T. Drake, Esq., gave a site for the school at Woodrow and £300 in cash; Mrs. Tyrwhitt Drake gave £50; the Rev E. T. Drake, the popular rector of the parish, gave £100, in addition to the site for the Amersham School; Messrs. Weller gave £100; a grant of £100 was secured from the Diocesan Society, and £90 from that old and faithful friend to Church education, the National Society...."
10 January 1874 [BH], p. 5: "THE FIRE BRIGADE.- On Tuesday evening the captain of the Amersham Fire Brigade invited the members to a capital supper at the Crown Hotel, to which they did ample justice. The captain took the chair, and all the members of the brigade were in uniform. The officers of Messrs. Weller’s Fire Brigade were also invited, and appeared in uniform."
9 January 1875 [BH], p. 5: "ACCIDENT.- On Tuesday last, between six and seven o'clock in the evening, as the mail cart from Chesham to Maidenhead was descending the steep hill near the Rectory, at Amersham, the horse took fright at some snow lying by the roadside, and bolted down the hill at full speed. Upon arriving at the bottom it ran into Mr. Weller's dray, breaking the cart, and very much injuring the horse. The driver fortunately escaped without much injury. The horse and cart belonged to Mr. Bachelor of Maidenhead. Another conveyance was obtained at the Crown Inn, Amersham, to convey the mail bags on to Beaconsfield."
18 February 1882 [BH], p. 8: "PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY.- This society has now fairly started with upwards of fifty voices in the chorus, under the able conductorship of Mr. W.. G. Wrigley, Mus. Bac. F.C.O., Friday night being practice night, in the Grammar School, kindly placed at the disposal of the Committee by the Rev. F. Weller."
22 November 1884 [BH], p. 6: Mr. G. Weller was reported to be chairman of the Finance Committee of the Country Brewers' Society.
4 June 1886 [SBFP], p. 5: TENNIS.- Monday last was the opening day of the Amersham Lawn Tennis Club... The ground is situated above the cricket ground in the corner of Barn Meadow near the schools... The committee and members of the local Club must feel greatly indebted to Mr. Edward Weller for letting them at a nominal rent so desirable a spot."
2 February 1889 [BH], p. 7: "THE COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION.- The polling at Amersham and Chenies was conducted in a quiet and orderly manner throughout, the electors polling well. A good many carriages were employed on both sides. Out of 435 resident at Amersham about 380 recorded their votes; at Chesham Bois 60 out of 88; Chenies 70 out of 82. The result of the poll was not declared until the late hour of five p.m. on Friday, Jan 25 - Weller, 307; Drake, 193, majority, 114."
29 January 1892 [SBFP], p. 7: "TECHNICAL EDUCATION.- A public meeting convened by a notice by Mr. Geo. Weller, C.C., was held in the Town Hall on Thursday afternoon in last week, for the purpose of coming to some understanding as to the formation of classes for technical education for Amersham."
30 September 1893 [BH], p. 8: "THE LICENCE OF THE RAILWAY HOTEL.- ... applied for the provisional grant of a licence for new premises, to be called the Railway Hotel, in course of construction near the Railway Station., at Amersham, for Messrs. Weller, brewer of that town... Messrs. Weller proposed to surrender the licence of the Black Horse in favour of the granting of the provisional licence now asked for. [This was granted]... The notices were then formally proved as well as the plans of the building, which had been prepared by Messrs. Vernon and Son, of High Wycombe."
21 October 1893 [BH], p. 7: "EMPLOYEES DINNER.- Through the kindness of Messrs. Weller, the workmen engaged in the construction of the new hotel at Amersham Station, numbering between 30 and 40, were entertained to a capital dinner at the King's Arms on Saturday evening."
24 March 1894 [BH], p. 7: "THE STATION HOTEL.- The handsome and commodious hotel erected near Amersham Station by Messrs. W. and G. Weller, of the Amersham Brewery, is now open, the tenant being Mr Arthur Buckley. It will be remembered that the licence for the new hotel was only granted by the Magistrates on condition that Messrs. Weller relinquished the Black Horse, a house purchased by the firm in 1802."
30 November 1894 [SBFP], p. 7: "PARISH COUNCIL.- A preliminary meeting of the parish electors was held in the Town Hall, on Monday, November 26th, when G. Weller., C.C., occupied the chair. Great interest was taken in the proceedings, and the hall was fairly well filled."
29 March 1895 [SBFP], p. 6: "FAREWELL DINNER.- A farewell dinner to Mr. R Ferguson was given to him and the employees of Messrs. Weller by the head of the firm, G. Weller, Esq., J.P., on Saturday last, at the Griffin Hotel. Mr. Ferguson, who has given the utmost satisfaction as a brewer for the past three years, is retiring in favour of Mr. Gerard Weller, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Weller."
5 April 1895 [SBFP], p. 7: "PICTURES FOR THE INFIRMARY.- The Master notified that he had received four pictures framed ready for hanging up in one of the infirmary wards, the kind gift of Mr. G. Weller."
17 January 1896 [SBFP], p. 3: "FOOTPATH.- An excellent footpath has been constructed from the corner of Rectory Wood to the Metropolitan Railway Bridge for the convenience of foot passengers to and from the station. This great improvement has been brought about entirely through the kindness of Messrs. G. Weller and G. Darlington."
30 June 1900 [BH], p. 7: The Chestnuts [a large house in Chestnut Lane] was sold to Mr. G. Weller for £1,611.
14 September 1901 [BH], p. 3: "A HOCKEY CLUB.- has been formed in Amersham under the management of a committee of gentlemen.. Arrangements have been made to play in Barn Meadow, by kind permission of Messrs. Weller. Practice games are to be played on Thursdays and Saturdays during the season."
6 May 1905 [BH], p. 7: A gift of a frame containing the names of the rectors of the parish from 1222 was made to St. Mary's Church by Mr. George Weller.
29 September 1905 [SBFP], p. 6: "OPENING OF NEW GRAMMAR SCHOOL BUILDING.- After an existence as an educational institution for nearly three centuries, the Amersham Grammar School has at length found a new home in the spacious buildings which have been erected on high ground near the Metropolitan Railway Station. The Schools were formally opened on Thursday, Sept 21st, by Mr. George Weller <chairman of the Governors>, in the presence of a large and representative gathering."
5 January 1907 [BH], p. 7 "CHRISTMAS BOUNTY.- Mr. George Weller, of The Plantation, with his customary kindness and liberality, distributed some 800lbs. of beef in the district this Christmastide. Much regret was felt at that gentleman's illness during the festive season, but we are glad to say that he is now restored to his usual health."
12 October 1907 [BH], p. 7: "THE FLEUR-DE-LIS, COLESHILL.- "G.W. [George Weller]" writes ... "that the earliest entry that can be traced in the books of the Amersham Brewery is the supply of beer to John Lane, of this house, in 1762."
21 February 1908 [SBFP], p. 5: "[ST. MARY'S CHURCH].] The Rector ... said a window for the new chapel had been given by Mrs. Wm Weller of Springfield, Prestwood, in memory of the late Mr. Weller, and he hoped the chapel would be completed and opened by Easter."
8 May 1908 [SBFP], p. 8: "RE-OPENING OF RAANS CHAPEL.- Yesterday afternoon, a special service was held in the Parish Church, Amersham, when the Raans Chapel was re-opened after restoration, and a new stained glass window, to the late Mr. William Weller ... was dedicated by Dr. Randall, Bishop of Reading."
7 September 1912 [BH], p. 3: The first Weller Brewery excursion was to the Great exhibition in 1851. This was followed by others to the Crystal Palace, Earl' s Court, Windsor, Brighton, Eastbourne, Southampton, Southend and Margate.
3 January 1914 [OH], p. 2: "GENEROUS GIFT.- Through the generosity of Mr. G. Weller, of the Plantation, Amersham Common, upwards of five hundred pounds of beef was given away early in the Christmas period."
15 February 1919 [BH], p. 2: "WAR MEMORIAL.- A meeting called by the Parish Council to discuss the provision of a memorial of the Great War was held in the Town Hall on Thursday in last week. Dr. J. Gardner presided in the absence of the chairman of the Council, Mr. G. M. H. Weller."
8 January 1920 [BE], p. 3: "'The King's Arms' was on Saturday evening the scene of a merry party, the occasion being the annual dinner to the employees of Messrs. Weller Naturally during the war these pleasant functions ceased, and the resumption was therefore a red letter occasion. In the old days the 'Griffin' was the scene of such gatherings... Mr. Gerard Weller presided, while Mr. H. C. Ford occupied the vice-chair and was kept busy during the dinner carving the fine joints. After the dinner there were two to three hours fun: speeches were well in the minority, there was music and good stories, and ample refreshment and fragment weed for the company... [T]he proceedings terminated with 'Auld Lang Syne'."
21st May 1920 [BE]. p. 3: "A Bowling Club has recently been formed in this district, with headquarters at the Station Hotel. A green has been most carefully prepared and turfed, and, with the proper attention it will undoubtedly receive, promises soon to become a capital ground for the game. The club was formally opened on Saturday the 15th inst., in the presense of 'Mr. George Weller, and many visitors, several ladies being of their number."
13 July 1928 [BE], p. 5: "The employees of Amersham Brewery had a happy time on Saturday when, as guests of the firm, they-were conveyed to Southsea by two of Amersham Bus Company's chaabancs."
27 September 1929 [BE], p. 12: "This week has witnessed the severance of a business family tie with this district which has existed over the years and has been a very close one. Messrs. Weller's Brewery at Amersham ... has passed to Messrs. Benskin of Watford... [The rumour at the time was that the brewery would be kept on by Benskins as a bottling factory.] The property comprised, in addition to the valuable freehold brewery, 132 freehold licensed properties and 10 leasehold licensed properties, situated not only in Bucks, but the neighbouring counties of Herts, Oxfordshire, Middlesex and Berkshire... The auctioneer was Mr. Sidney H. Motion ... in conjunction with Messrs. A. Horley and Son, Maidenhead. The sale was at the London Auction Market, 155 Queen Victoria Street, London E.C., on Wednesday afternoon... The bidding started at .£200,000 [and ended at] ... £360,000."
27 September 1929 [SBFP], p. 2: "WELLERS'S AMERSHAM, CHANGES HANDS - £360,000.- At the London Auction Mart on Wednesday, Messrs. Weller's Amersham Brewery, together with 142 licensed houses and other property was sold for £360,000 to Messrs. Benskins Watford Brewery Ltd. The Amersham Brewery of Weller had long provided employment for many Amersham people. The brewery has been established 150 years, and has been in the uninterrupted occupation of the Weller family for the whole of that period. The business was started in High Wycombe a few years previous to 1771, at which date the "Old Church Brewery" at Amersham, of the origin of which there is no authentic record, was purchased. Mr Geo. Weller, the present proprietor of the business, has been concerned in it for 64 years... The last bids were between the representatives of Benskins Brewery and Messrs. Hoares (London) Brewery."
25 October 1929 [BE], p. 11: "Mr. George Weller, who died at his home, 'The Plantation', Amersham Common, on the 20th inst. at the age of 84 years, was born on October 22nd 1844, at Amersham... He married in 1871... Mr. Weller took no active part in the business for the last ten years of his life, during which time it was managed by Mr. Gerard Weller, one of his sons."
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