Building record 1160/399/2 - Former Albion Brewery building

The Albion Steam Brewery was built in 1883 by Ratliffe and Jeffrey, replacing earlier premises. It was taken over by Phipps & Son in 1899, although ceased here in the first decade of the 20th century. Only the four-storey brewhouse now remains, attached to the cooperage building. Brewing has been undertaken again since 2014 in the cooperage building.

{1} Part of the former Albion Brewery. It comprises three adjoining brick built ranges, that adjoining the King Billy pub of one (plus?) storey and with the others of three and possibly four storeys. Photos.

{3} Illustrations depict the extension to the brewery. It is evident these are the ranges surviving to the present, though with modifications to the buildings since erected. Goes on to refer to an extension to the brewery 'right back to Foundry Street' in 1888 and it may be that the illustrations and present buildings date to around this time.

{4} Brief note regarding the brick-built two-storey stable block.

{5} The Albion Steam Brewery was built in 1883 by Ratliffe and Jeffrey, replacing earlier premises. It was taken over by Phipps & Son in 1899, although ceased here in the first decade of the 20th century. Only the four-storey brewhouse now remains, attached to the cooperage building. Brewing has been undertaken again since 2014 in the cooperage building.

{6} Group of three restored painted advertisements on the east-facing elevation of the three-storey brick brewery building at 54 Kingswell Street. The signs comprise black and red lettering with contrasting shadowing on white backgrounds within thin black-bordered panels with indented corners. The inscriptions advertise products of the Northampton Brewery Company, P. Phipps & Co., and Ratliffe & Jeffery's, including 'Mild & Strong Ales', 'Noted Ales & Stout' and 'Albion Steam Brewery'. Decorative elements include the Phipps family crest and ornamental motifs. The signs are highly legible and have been restored or recreated from historic examples. The building has a slate roof and remains in use as a brewery, continuing its historic brewing function. The site was formerly occupied by the Albion Brewery prior to its acquisition by Phipps & Sons in 1899. The restored signs were installed outside the Albion Brewery Bar in 2014 and commemorate the brewing heritage of the site.

<1> Cadman, G., 2010, Former Albion Brewery building, Northampton, (unchecked) (Note). SNN107108.

<2> Aspers Group Ltd, 2008, Press Release: New Casino in Northampton, (unchecked) (Note). SNN107109.

<3> 2009, A History: P. Phipps, Northampton Brewery Company, Phipps NBC and Beyond, (unchecked) (Website). SNN107110.

<4> Cadman, G., 2015, Note on Phipps NBC Albion Brewery-Albion & Yard (Note). SNN114650.

<5> Perkins, P, Whittaker, R and Denton, A, 2022, A Guide to the Industrial Heritage of Northamptonshire, p. 58/ Site 250 (Book). SNN113793.

<6> Project volunteers and MOLA, 2026, Ghosts of Industry record forms (Digital archive). SNN117091.

Record last edited

Sep 28 2026 1:15PM