The imposing Eldridge Pope Brewery was one of the most important buildings in Dorchester for more than 100 years.

Here is a collection of pictures from our archives of life at the brewery.

The brewery was built in 1880, and opened a year later in 1881. It immediately became the biggest employer in the town.

W.R. Crickmay, who had mentored Thomas Hardy during the author's early career as an architect, was commissioned to design the new brewery. He created the majestic and exuberant red brick design that would win the brewery many admirers over the next 100 years.

After 16 prosperous years the Popes floated the business, forming a new limited company known as Eldridge Pope & Co. Limited.

In the following years new generations of the Pope family took up senior positions in the company, including Alfred's sons Rolph, George, Alex and Clement, who joined the board of directors alongside Alfred and Edwin and helped ensure Eldridge Pope's continued growth.

Tragedy struck in 1922 when the brewery was gutted by a huge fire, causing the destruction of several buildings. Major rebuilding work was required, and the brewery did not produce any beer again until 1925.

The late 1920s and early 1930s saw the deaths of Edwin and Alfred Pope, and a third generation of Popes taking up the vacated positions on the company's board.

The brewery was forced to close in 2003. The site then caught the attention of developers and became the Brewery Square cinema, shops, flat and restaurants development in Dorchester.

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