This is one of the few sites in the old town where an archaeological investigation has been carried out. During the Roman period there was a brick kiln here and Roman coins have been found. The Saxons also had a kiln and tiles similar to those discovered under the Abbey floor were found here. There was a tannery & slaughterhouse for 400 years during medieval times with many animal bones in evidence. Later there was a corn mill, followed in the 16th Century by a woollen mill owned by Matthew Kyng MP. He lived where Kings House is and it is thought that the name Kings Wall is associated with him. With the decline of the woollen industry it reverted to the milling of grain. In 1836 the site was bought by Thomas Luce [35 High Street] and developed into a brewery and malt house.
Thomas, the Bank Manager, had started brewing in 1821 when he entered into a partnership with John Brooke. They bought the brewery in the Cross Hayes for £2,200, with only £200 put up by Brooke who managed the business. When Luce sold the bank in 1836 he reinvested the proceeds in new premises. His son Charles (1829-1926) took over the brewery and as the Bank Manager from his father in 1851, about the time that Thomas was elected to Parliament. Because his main concern was the bank he took a partner, Mr. Harris, who oversaw the brewery. This relationship broke down 12 years later when a private auction was held between the partners in the Kings Arms. Eventually with the support of his brother-in-law, Charles made the highest bid. He then hired a manager, Mr. Farrow who remained with the business for nearly 50 years. In 1865 a serious fire necessitated much rebuilding. A new malthouse was erected in 1887.
Source: Charles Vernon
