To coincide with the brewery’s 180th anniversary, Councillor Barrie Jennings of Stratton St Margaret Parish Council and the Arkell family unveiled a commemorative plaque on the site of Arkell’s Brewery where John Arkell, founder, started brewing in 1843.

Arkell’s was established by John Arkell—known affectionally as ‘Honest John’ by the local community—180 years ago and is Swindon’s oldest business, remaining a family business handed down through the generations.

Members of the Arkell family, local brewery shareholders who are all descendants of John Arkell, brewery staff, Stratton St Margaret Parish Council and the Stratton History Society gathered for the unveiling of the entrepreneur’s commemorative plaque.