BARKER, 6 COLLEGE STREET, SWINDON
IN BUSINESS 1880-1952
Charles H. Barker was first mentioned as an aerated mineral water manufacturer in 1885 running the SWINDON AERATED WATER COMPANY.
In 1887 he was the landlord of the Great Western Hotel. 1898 saw him as the landlord of the Golden Lion Hotel and by 1901 he was the owner of Queenstown Mews.
Barker's continued as a business for over 50 years until 1952 when it was absorbed into LEESE ING, creating LEESE ING & CO.
In 1973 Ace Soft Drinks, owned by ARKELL'S, took over.
The information above is taken from 'A history of Swindon & District Mineral Water Manufacturers' by Peter Sheldon
In 1887 he was the landlord of the Great Western Hotel. 1898 saw him as the landlord of the Golden Lion Hotel and by 1901 he was the owner of Queenstown Mews.
Barker's continued as a business for over 50 years until 1952 when it was absorbed into LEESE ING, creating LEESE ING & CO.
In 1973 Ace Soft Drinks, owned by ARKELL'S, took over.
The information above is taken from 'A history of Swindon & District Mineral Water Manufacturers' by Peter Sheldon
The image above was taken in 1958 and is of the Barker & Co factory in College Street, New Swindon. The building was demolished in 1961.
"Established 1879" at the top of the building must refer to either SMITH & POPE (1878-1879) or perhaps even the SWINDON AERATED WATER CO (1879-1880) which had previously operated from this building under the management of Charles Barker.
"Established 1879" at the top of the building must refer to either SMITH & POPE (1878-1879) or perhaps even the SWINDON AERATED WATER CO (1879-1880) which had previously operated from this building under the management of Charles Barker.