In 1816, Christopher Scott, a maltster from Leeds, commissioned the construction of Skipton Brewery. Located in the centre of the historic market town next to the Leeds and Liverpool canal, The Victorian Tower brewery was completed in 1816, only 3-years after being commissioned.
The plant had a 60-barrel brew length and was initially powered by water wheel, coal and finally by steam and was one of the town's more famous landmarks.
For more than 90 years the brewery supplied fine ales to local and surrounding pubs and in 1897 Scott acquired Frederick Binns of White Horse Brewery, Keighley together with seven tied Houses & Inns which expanded the brewery's portfolio.
Sadly though, in 1902 Bentleys of Woodlesford, Leeds, purchased Scott’s entire estate, comprising of both breweries and all 39 Houses. Both breweries were closed two years later, the Houses and Inns being retained for Bentleys own brand.
It’s now more than 100 years since the people of Skipton saw the last horse drawn dray wagon travelling from Scott's Skipton Brewery, delivering the final oak barrels of fine ales to their 39 tied Houses and Inns. Much speedier mechanical vehicles continuing Skipton’s fine brewing heritage now replace the horse drawn drays of yesteryear