Page 11 - A History Of Food And Drink In Wokingham

In accordance with the agreement entered into between the Wokingham Corporation and Mr.
Henry Hutt, a new Fortnightly Auction Market was opened with a good supply of cattle, sheep,
pigs and fowls, together with several horses. The total of the sales amounted to nearly £800.

1893

A Dairy School under the auspices of the Royal Counties Agricultural Society, was opened
in the Drill Hall, Wokingham. The full complement of ten students—eight females and two
males—formed the first class where the art of butter-making was demonstrated.

1896

The butchers and bakers of the town played a cricket match on Wednesday 25 August at
Wokingham Cricket Club. The game ended in a win for the butchers by three runs.

1898

A meeting of the Wokingham Agricultural Association was held at The Rose Hotel. Mr. Henry
Lane, a vice-president of the Association, occupied the chair and there was a good
attendance of members of the committee. It was decided to offer prizes for poultry, eggs and
butter, in addition to those usually offered. The hon. Secretary reported that the entries for
the cultivation of root crops were considerably above the average.
1899

Changes to licencing laws and the growth of Wokingham following the arrival of the railway
resulted in there being forty-one licensed premises in Wokingham by this date.
This Wellington Brewery was put up for auction and there was a large attendance of brewers
and others. Bidding commenced at £10,000 and, after a spirited competition, the property was
purchased by Mr. Frederick Headington for £16,150.

1900
At the turn of the century there were the following food and drink related premises in the
Wokingham Market Place:

4 Market Place - William Chambers was a caterer, baker and confectioner who also sold
beer in casks and bottles at his shop at No. 4 Market Place. He bought the property from the
sale of John Heelas’s estate for the sum of £ 800.

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